Hunter
06/16/20
An Iowa City man was arrested on a warrant stemming from an April incident where he’s accused of driving drunk to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for treatment of alcoholism.
According to police, 54-year-old Jason Lalla of Scott Park Drive was seen on video the afternoon of April 2nd operating a vehicle in the parking lot of the UIHC emergency department. He reportedly got out and staggered to the ER to receive medical treatment.
Police say Lalla had an odor of ingested alcohol, bloodshot watery eyes, and slurred speech. He allegedly admitted post-Miranda to being drunk and needing to seek medical care for alcoholism. He reportedly told officers that he didn’t consider calling 911, a friend or an ambulance to pick him up instead of driving himself to the ER.
Lalla agreed to a blood draw, which showed a blood alcohol level of .313.
He was served with the warrant Monday and charged with OWI second offense, an aggravated misdemeanor punishable by up to two years in prison if convicted. He was released on his own recognizance and a preliminary hearing was set for June 25th.
