Hunter
04/22/824
An area transient faces multiple charges after allegedly committing a theft in downtown Iowa City, then proving uncooperative with arresting officers.
Officers were on the 300 block of Burlington Street Friday night just before 8:30 when they observed 40-year-old Eric Fields, who reportedly matched the description of a suspect who took items from the Kum & Go on East Burlington Street. As he was approached, officers allegedly saw his front sweatshirt pocket was bulging and contained several items. Fields also reportedly had bloodshot watery eyes, slurred speech, the odor of ingested alcohol, and was leaning slightly forward.
Police asked Fields if he stole the items, but he was reportedly too intoxicated to answer.
Fields was told he was under arrest but refused to turn around and put his hands behind his back. Once he was taken into custody, he allegedly tried to spit on an officer’s face and got some of it on them. Fields reportedly refused to walk on his own and had to be carried to the squad car. A search allegedly discovered several items that had been taken from the store.
Fields was charged with 3rd degree Theft due to two prior convictions for the offense. He was also charged with Assault on Persons in Certain Occupations, Interference with Official Acts and Public Intoxication. He faces a maximum jail sentence of up to 38 months if convicted on all counts.