Hunter
08/04/23
Police responding to a fight in progress instead ended up charging a Coralville woman with OWI.
The incident occurred just before 6:30pm Wednesday in the parking lot of Advance Auto Parts on the Coralville Strip. Upon arrival, officers located 34-year-old Erica Mitas of Kodiak Street standing outside next to a Chevrolet Equinox. The vehicle’s door was still open and the engine running, according to the arrest report.
Upon further investigation, it was determined that no fight actually occurred, and Mitas was reportedly observed with watery eyes, slurred speech, and unstable balance. After showing multiple signs of intoxication during field sobriety testing, Mitas allegedly admitted several times to drinking and driving. She also reportedly admitted that she was the sole occupant of the vehicle, and no other person gave her a ride to the location.
Mitas was charged with OWI first offense, a serious misdemeanor.