Hunter
08/03/21
An Iowa City man faces several charges after being removed from a downtown Iowa City bar and then reportedly scuffling with police.
The incident occurred outside Pints around Midnight Tuesday and involved 35-year-old Darius Stewart of Friendship Street. Officers responded after getting reports of an intoxicated male lying on the ground after being physically removed from the establishment. Upon contact, Stewart attempted to stand up but stumbled and reportedly showed significant impaired balance. Police say he had bloodshot watery eyes, smelled strongly of ingested alcohol, and had slurred speech.
When officers attempted to assist Stewart, he allegedly became hostile to officers and had to be assisted to a nearby bench. He then reportedly stood up, grabbed an officer, and became aggressive and threatening when told to sit down again. Officers then informed Stewart he was being placed under arrest.
Stewart allegedly tensed up and officers had to force his arms behind his back to be cuffed. During a subsequent attempted search, he reportedly kicked an officer. As he was being escorted to a squad car, Stewart allegedly threatened to kill officers multiple times. He had to be forced to take a seat inside. A request for a post-arrest breath test was refused.
Stewart faces charges of Public Intoxication, Interference with Official Acts, 1st degree Harassment, and Assault on Persons in Certain Occupations. If convicted, he faces a sentence of over four years in prison.