West Liberty woman arrested for OWI while passengers charged with assault on officer

Hunter
03/25/21

A West Liberty woman was arrested for her first OWI early Wednesday, while two of her passengers also were taken into custody for allegedly trying to prevent the arrest.

Police observed 19-year-old Aileen Calderon of West 18th Street near the intersection of Bowery and Dodge streets just after 2am. She was stopped after striking a curb, hitting the center line and stopping past the stop line on the pavement. Calderon was observed with signs of intoxication during field tests and provided a PBT showing a blood-alcohol content of .150 percent. She was arrested and charged with OWI first offense, a serious misdemeanor.

Two of Calderon’s passengers reportedly got involved in the incident.

19 year-old Lauryn Gordon of North Liberty grabbed the officer’s arm as he was attempting to arrest Calderon, impeding his ability to complete the arrest. She was charged with Assault on Persons in Certain Occupations, a serious misdemeanor.

20-year-old Mireya Lopez of Iowa City was allegedly more aggressive towards police. She grabbed the officer’s arm when he went back to get Calderon’s cellphone, and allegedly tried to shove him. The officer grabbed Lopez, and she allegedly punched him. Lopez was then removed from the vehicle and reportedly fought with police officers, biting one in the leg. She had to be subdued with pepper spray and was taken into custody. Lopez is also accused of refusing to provide her name to police.

Lopez was charged with Assault on Persons in Certain Occupations and Interference with Official Acts causing Bodily Injury, and could be sentenced to up to three years if convicted.