Hunter
04/19/23
A Davenport man who was stopped for a headlight violation was charged with OWI and eluding after an incident early Tuesday.
33-year-old Austin Guthmiller observed around 12:45 am by Coralville police for not having a driver’s side headlight. He allegedly failed to stop for them and was located on Mormon Trek Boulevard near Hawkeye Park Road. He again reportedly failed to stop despite lights and sirens being deployed, and eventually stopped on Westwinds Drive.
Upon contact, officers reportedly noticed a grinder in the center console and a needle behind the driver’s seat. A probable cause search of the vehicle allegedly turned up multiple needles, a glass pipe, a grinder containing marijuana residue, a small plastic baggie containing a white substance that Guthmiller reportedly admitted was cocaine, and a wax pipe.
Guthmiller was allegedly found to have bloodshot watery eyes, was slow and lethargic, and performed poorly on field testing. No alcohol was found in his bloodstream on a PBT.
A check of Guthmiller’s driving status showed him revoked for a previous OWI until October of this year.
He was taken into custody and charged with 3rd offense OWI, Eluding, Driving while Revoked, a Controlled Substance violation, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. If convicted on all counts, Guthmiller could be sentenced to over eight years in prison.