Hunter
07/18/24
An Iowa City man faces felony charges after his third OWI.
Coralville police stopped 41-year-old Salvador Morales Gomez at around 11:45 Monday night near the intersection of 7th street and 12th Avenue for an equipment violation. While speaking to him, the officer reportedly noticed Gomez had bloodshot watery eyes. A visual check of the back of the vehicle allegedly found alcoholic beverages between the back seat and the center console.
Gomez reportedly showed signs of intoxication on field tests, and provided a PBT showing his breath-alcohol level at .133 percent. He then refused a Datamaster test.
A check of his driving record showed Gomez with two previous Johnson County OWIs in 2018. His driving status was also shown as barred.
A post-arrest search of Gomez allegedly found a baggie containing a white powdery substance that he later admitted was cocaine.
Gomez has been charged with OWI third offense, driving while barred, and possession of a controlled substance. If convicted on all counts, he could be sentenced to up to 8 years in prison.