Lang
1/14/24
An assault suspect has been arrested after allegedly driving while drunk in Coralville.
Coralville Police pulled over a 2004 Mercedes C24 just before 2:15 Thursday morning on the 1400 block of 5th Street. The driver, 43-year-old Earnest Owens of North Gilbert Street in Iowa City, reportedly showed signs of intoxication, was belligerent towards police officers, and refused field sobriety and breath testing.
A witness reportedly told investigators that they had been drinking alcohol with Owens and driving around Iowa City earlier in the night.
Police say Owens was wanted for an earlier assault on 11th Avenue. The alleged victim reported Owens began rubbing her thigh and refused to stop once she told him to. The woman said she then spit in Owens’ face. He reportedly responded by striking her in the face and wrapping his arms around her neck, causing redness and bruising.
Owens is charged with Assault Causing Bodily Injury and Operating While Intoxicated – 3rd or Subsequent Offense. If convicted on both charges, he faces a maximum of six years in prison.