CR man arrested after 1-vehicle accident near Swisher

Lang
5/29/21

A Cedar Rapids man has been arrested after a one-vehicle accident near Swisher.

The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 2004 Toyota Camry in a ditch at Highway 965 and 120th Street just after midnight Saturday. When deputies arrived on the scene, the driver of the vehicle was still behind the wheel with the car running.

The driver was later identified as 27-year-old Kevin Kuchera of 41st Street NE. Kuchera allegedly refused to unlock his door for deputies, and refused the leave the vehicle.

Deputies say Kuchera was unable to answer questions, showed signs of intoxication, and his pupils were, according to the arresting officer, “bouncing around”. Kuchera was allegedly wearing a “Camp High” t-shirt, uttered to deputies that he took “too much ketamine”, and said he drank four White Claws at “a show”. A warrant was obtained to test Kuchera’s blood.

Deputies say once at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Kuchera suddenly became coherent and declared he was leaving. Officers told him he was not free to leave due to the ongoing criminal investigation. Kuchera allegedly still tried to leave the exam room, but was forced back inside by officers.

Kuchera was arrested and charged with Operating While Intoxicated and Interference With Official Acts.