Lang
10/23/24
A transient armed with a fake pistol was arrested three times in three days by Iowa City Police.
The first incident was at 1:45 Friday afternoon, when police received a report of an intoxicated male with a gun in the area of the Iowa City Public Library. Arriving officers found 36-year-old Joseph Lonier walking out of the library into the Ped Mall. The outline of a small handgun could be seen in his pants pocket. A search of Lonier’s person determined the gun was a starter pistol. No threats were made with the gun, and Lonier was charged with Public Intoxication. He pleaded guilty and was fined $105.
The next night, Lonier was encountered by police yelling and screaming on the Ped Mall. He was once again determined to be intoxicated and was told to leave, which Lonier did. But he was arrested for Public Intoxication when he was encountered a short time later around 9:45 p.m. yelling and screaming at the corner of Washington and Dubuque Streets. His breath alcohol level was measured at .275%.
Police then received multiple calls throughout the day on Sunday about Lonier’s behavior downtown, including catcalling women, trying to fight passersby, and walking in front of moving vehicles and extending his middle finger at them. He was finally tracked down on the 100 block of East Washington Street and again arrested for Public Intoxication and Disorderly Conduct.
Trials in the last two cases are set for December 13th and 17th.