Coralville man reportedly admitted to taking depressant before driving and getting OWI

Hunter
09/12/21

Driving after drinking and taking a depressant has led to the OWI arrest of a Coralville resident.

Iowa City police say they stopped 41-year-old Diego Rodriguez of 5th Avenue after observing him commit several traffic violations on East Benton Street Saturday at approximately 8:49 pm. Upon contact, he allegedly admitted to having an open bottle of wine in the car, and stated that he drank several hours earlier. He also reportedly stated that he had taken his Xanex prescription after drinking beer.

Rodriguez performed poorly on field sobriety tests, and a PBT showed a zero blood-alcohol reading. A urine sample reportedly showed evidence of depressants. Having shown measurable impairment, he was arrested for OWI first offense, a serious misdemeanor.