Hunter
01/24/25
A report of erratic driving led to the arrest of an Iowa City woman on OWI and Child endangerment charges this week.
43-year-old Amphai Ranslem of Russell Drive was called in by an off-duty police officer the evening of January 10th as a reckless driver as she was heading southbound on I380 near the 4 mile marker. A deputy caught up to her near the intersection of Highways 1 and 218 and reportedly observed her make an abrupt lane change without using her signal. She allegedly then made a right hand turn and drove over a curb.
When pulled over, Ranslem allegedly admitted to having one White Claw alcoholic beverage prior to driving and claimed the erratic driving was due to her trying to find a ball in the vehicle for her 18 month old child in the back.
Ranselm reportedly showed impairment on field sobriety tests, but a PBT showed that she was within the legal limit to drive. She then agreed to a urine test for drug analysis, and allegedly admitted to taking various prescription psych meds and a controlled painkiller prior to driving. A DRE concluded that Ranslem was impaired and unable to operate a vehicle safely.
She was charged with first offense OWI and Child Endangerment. If convicted on both counts, Ranslem could be sentenced to up to three years in prison.