OWI suspect drives into Iowa River at Hills Access in an apparent attempt to avoid capture
Lang/Hunter
4/6
A drunk driving suspect drove into the Iowa River near Hills in an apparent attempt to avoid capture.
That’s according to the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, which was called to a report of suspicious activity near Hills just before 12:15 Tuesday afternoon. 43-year-old Francisco Nunez of Muscatine reportedly had made attempts at forcing his way into a residence by destroying the window screen. Arriving deputies found the suspect’s vehicle and attempted a traffic stop for a seat belt violation. Nunez allegedly ignored lights and sirens, and a short pursuit ensued. He reportedly reached speeds of 60 miles per hour in 25-mile per hour zones and drove recklessly until ending at the Hills Access on 520th Street, when he drove his vehicle down the boat ramp and into the Iowa River.
Nunez was able to exit the vehicle before it submerged and swam towards the middle of the river. Deputies immediately threw a rescue throw rope into the water and were able to assist Nunez back to shore. Authorities say he was unable to maintain his balance nor stay conscious long enough to complete a conversation.
Nunez was transported to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, and reportedly continued to be uncooperative with hospital staff. He allegedly refused all testing and blood sample requests, and intentionally urinated on the emergency room floor.
Nunez was eventually taken to the Johnson County Jail. He’s charged with Operating While Intoxicated – 2nd Offense, Eluding 2nd Offense, Driving While Barred, 3rd Degree Attempted Burglary, and numerous traffic violations. If convicted on all charges, Nunez faces a maximum of 16 years in prison.
The vehicle was later removed from the river with assistance from the Johnson County Metro Dive Team.