Hunter
03/07/22
An Iowa City man faces a host of charges after police say he drove drunk, drove away from the traffic stop, and had a loaded firearm on his lap.
According to the arrest reports, 38-year-old Russell Taylor of Westside Drive was found passed out at the 2 mile marker of southbound I-380 around 2:40 am Saturday with a firearm in his lap. His 2005 Chevy Impala was still in gear at the time. Once officers began giving commands to Taylor, he reportedly woke up. He then drove away, despite numerous squad cars with flashing lights behind him.
Taylor drove at low speeds for approximately one mile before stopping. Police say the gun on his lap turned out to be loaded. A breath test was obtained via search warrant, allegedly showing his blood-alcohol level at .154 percent.
A check of the man’s driving record showed his license revoked for a one-year period set to end this June 14th for OWI test failure. He also has two OWIs on his record from 2021.
Taylor faces counts of OWI 3rd offense, Interference with Official Acts involving a Firearm, Driving While Revoked, and Possession of a Firearm while Intoxicated. If convicted on all charges, he faces a prison sentence of up to twelve years.