Hunter
02/22/22
An Iowa City man found himself arrested twice within 10 minutes because of two separate Monday night incidents.
The first occurred at the Walmart on Highway 1 West just before 8:10 pm, where 20-year-old Montrell Harris of Clearwater Court allegedly was observed taking over $120 in items without stopping or making an attempt to pay for them at the register. He was charged with 5th degree Theft, a simple misdemeanor, and released.
Then just before 8:15, Harris reportedly admitted to driving a Chevy Equinox involved in a single vehicle accident near the intersection of Benton and Hudson streets. Officers on scene observed Harris with impaired balance, slurred and slow speech, and bloodshot watery eyes. Harris allegedly admitted to being high before his arrest, saying he smoked a blunt and took a Xanax pill prior to driving.
A Datamaster test showed no alcohol in his bloodstream, and a Drug Recognition Expert determined Harris to be under the influence of marijuana and a depressant.
He was charged with OWI first offense, and could be sentenced to up to 13 months in jail if convicted on both counts.