Hunter
04/15/21
A Coralville man was taken into custody after an alleged drunken incident where he threatened a restaurant worker, the officer who arrested him, and the officer’s family.
Police say the incident occurred just after 12:30am Wednesday at the downtown Iowa City Panchero’s. 35-year-old Johnnie Stevenson reportedly was told to leave several times due to his behavior by staff, but he refused. When authorities arrived, they were informed that Stevenson was acting aggressively towards the staff.
Police say Stevenson had bloodshot watery eyes, impaired speech and balance, smelled of ingested alcohol, had a bar wristband on, and was holding an open container of alcohol not sold at the restaurant.
When handcuffs were placed on Stevenson, he allegedly spit in the face of one of the workers.
He reportedly continued acting belligerently as he was being walked to a squad car. He refused a PBT, and when he was placed in the back, he allegedly threatened to kill the worker, the officer, and the officer’s family.
Stevenson was charged with Public Intoxication, Trespass first offense, Assault and two counts of 1st degree Harassment. If convicted on all counts, he could be sentenced to over four years in prison.