Iowa City police arrested a local man after he allegedly threw bags of cocaine out his vehicle’s window when he was pursued by police.

Ricky Vonkeith Mallard, 43, 1240 Dolen Place, was charged March 28 with driving while barred, a controlled-substance violation, and obstruction of evidence.

Reports said police initially stopped Mallard for a brake-light violation after he allegedly failed to yield.

After several minutes of police pursuit, reports said Mallard allegedly began breaking bags of “white powder” out the van’s window, reports said.

Officials said Mallard allegedly threw three bags out the window at the intersection of Highway 6 and Gilbert Street.

The bags were later found and identified by police, who determined one bag allegedly contained roughly two grams of powdered cocaine. The other two bags were ripped open and emptied, police said.

Once Mallard stopped, officers allegedly discovered more powdered cocaine in the passenger compartment of his vehicle, and a check of his license revealed he was barred from driving.

— by Brian Albert