Hunter
06/23/21
An Iowa City man who allegedly told police he drinks and drives every day ran out of luck when arrested for his first OWI Saturday.
Police say they received a report of an intoxicated driver who had just left a restaurant in the city. According to witnesses, 74-year-old James Ellison of North Gilbert Street had been drinking, was intoxicated, and had slapped a female waitress’ rear before entering his vehicle and leaving.
Officers located Ellison and his vehicle at his home around 5pm. They allegedly observed him with impaired balance, slurred speech, and bloodshot watery eyes. Ellison reportedly showed signs of impairment on field testing, and he allegedly admitted to drinking three “screwdrivers,” including one he described as “strong.”
Ellison also reportedly told officers that he drinks every day and drives home.
A PBT showed Ellison’s blood-alcohol level at .210 percent, with a Datamaster reading of .187 percent. He was taken into custody and charged with OWI first offense, a serious misdemeanor punishable by a jail sentence of up to one year if convicted.