Iowa City man faces several charges stemming from his driving while intoxicated

Hunter
03/15/22

An Iowa City man faces several charges that started with him allegedly driving while intoxicated.

According to arrest reports, 31-year-old Robert Gatewood of South Van Buren Street was identified by a witness Monday at 12:45 am , driving to his residence while intoxicated. The reporting party reportedly took the vehicle keys away from Gatewood to keep him from driving away again. He allegedly fled the scene before police arrived, but he was located at a gas station about four blocks away.

Gatewood reportedly had bloodshot watery eyes, impaired speech, unsteady balance, and the odor of ingested alcohol. He allegedly denied being drunk but refused field sobriety tests and a preliminary breath test. Gatewood was taken to the Iowa City Police Department while a warrant was obtained for a chemical sample.

While waiting, the man allegedly got upset with police officers, blowing his nose on the floor and spitting. He then reportedly proceeded to wipe his nose on the wall, leaving a large stain from his mucus. He also is accused of kicking the desk in the room. Damage estimates to the desk and cleanup of bodily fluids was about $400.

Once the warrant was obtained, Gatewood was transported to Mercy Hospital for a blood draw. He was reportedly given multiple opportunities to cooperate with medical staff but refused to do so. He allegedly had to be carried to an exam room and held down to execute the blood draw. While being carried, Gatewood allegedly kicked a wheelchair scale, breaking the display and making it inoperable. It was estimated that it would cost $3000 to replace the scale.

A check of the man’s driving record showed his status as barred as a Habitual Offender, and Revoked for OWI conviction.

Gatewood was charged with Driving While Barred, Driving while Revoked, OWI third offense, Public Intoxication, 4th degree Criminal Mischief, Interference with Official Acts, and 2nd degree Criminal Mischief. If convicted on all counts, he faces a prison term of up to over 14 years.