Hunter
12/01/22
An Iowa City man who was found passed out at a North Liberty intersection has been charged with OWI and drug possession.
Officers responded to the intersection of Highway 965 and Forevergreen Road for reports of a man who had reportedly sat through several light changes without moving. Upon arrival, they came in contact with 21-year-old Miguel Medina Espinoza of Hawks Ridge Drive sitting in the driver’s seat, with the vehicle running and in gear.
Medina-Espinoza reportedly showed multiple signs of impairment and admitted to drug use. A drug recognition expert evaluated him and determined he was under the influence of cannabis, a narcotic analgesic, and a CNS depressant.
A search of Medina-Espinoza subsequent to arrest allegedly discovered a prescription pill bottle containing a crushed-up pill that he stated contained fentanyl, as well as several Xanax pills.
Medina-Espinoza has been charged with OWI first offense, and two drug possession counts. If convicted on all charges, he could be sentenced to up to three years in prison.