Iowa City man charged with second OWI after brief chase

Hunter
12/20/21

An Iowa City man faces several charges after leading police on a short chase early Monday.

Police say they observed 26-year-old Carlos Garza of Blackfoot Trail going 64 miles an hour in a 45 mile-per-hour zone in the area of Oakcrest Hill Road Northeast just before 1:15 am. He then reportedly ran a red light, prompting a traffic stop.

Garza allegedly fled from deputies during the stop, leading them on a short pursuit before he stopped at the Lakeside Mobile Home Park. Upon continuing the traffic stop, it was reportedly discovered that Garza didn’t have a valid license. He also showed signs of impairment. An odor of marijuana was allegedly detected as well. Garza performed poorly on field testing, but refused PBT, Datamaster and urine tests.

A check of Garza’s records showed a previous OWI conviction in Johnson County last year.

He’s been charged with OWI 2nd offense and Eluding. He could be sentenced to up to three years in jail if convicted on both counts.