Lang
1/31/21
A Cedar Rapids man with multiple drunk driving convictions faces a probation violation after allegedly registering multiple dangerous blood alcohol levels.
34-year-old Trent Blessing was convicted of Operating While Intoxicated – 3rd or Subsequent Offense in Johnson County in 2019. He was given a five-year prison sentence, with all but 30 days suspended.
According to probation officers, on January 9th Blessing missed his curfew call while on furlough from the Gerald Hinzman Center in Cedar Rapids. He was allegedly drunk and refused orders to return, so he was placed on “escape” status.
On January 12th Blessing registered a blood alcohol content of .417 on a portable Breathalyzer test and was transported to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Most BAC charts show a level over a .4 usually leads to unconsciousness and possible death. Blessing was taken to the Johnson County Jail after his release from the UIHC, and probation officers say he immediately continued drinking after posting bond.
Records show Blessing continued registering BAC levels over .4, including a .480 while still walking and talking. A BAC over .450 is listed on most charts as “a fatal dose for most people”.
Probation officers say Blessing has been taken to the hospital multiple times for high intoxication levels, but he’s uncooperative with hospital staff and walks out against medical advice. He failed to attend a January 25th appearance in drug treatment court, and Saturday night Blessing was booked into the Johnson County Jail on a probation violation. Police say his excessive drinking poses a risk to himself and others.