Turtle Leads Police to Marijuana Field; Teen Charged

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WASHINGTON –While you might normally spot D.C. area residents running, biking, or hiking through Rock Creek Park, it's rare to find someone using the park to grow marijuana.

U.S. Park Police say thanks to a box turtle, that's exactly what they discovered earlier this month. Authorities say a Maryland teenager is facing charges after allegedly turning a Rock Creek Park field into a marijuana farm, which was discovered by a National Park Services employee who was conducting research.

On July 14, authorities say the employee was tracking a box turtle that was outfitted with a GPS device for research purposes when the discovery was made.

The turtle was found in a remote area of the park south of the Maryland line, where they found approximately 10 marijuana plants growing. According to park police, the field appeared to be actively tended.

The U.S. Park Police were put on alert and surveillance was set up to monitor the area. Police say they soon spotted 19-year-old Isiah Johnson caring for the plants.

Park police began working with the Montgomery County Police officers, and they obtained a warrant for Johnson's arrest. Johnson was arrested at his home on Washington Avenue in Chevy Chase on Wednesday. Johnson is awaiting extradition to D.C. on charges of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.

Anyone with more information about this incident is asked to please call the United States Park Police, Criminal Investigations Branch at (202) 610-8737.

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