Hunter
09/15/21
An Iowa City man with a history of OWI convictions has been charged with the offense again.
According to police, a concerned citizen called in to report an intoxicated driver at North Dodge HyVee Gas pumps a little after 10:15 pm Tuesday. An officer responded and came upon 36-year-old Nicholas Steffen of Highland Avenue.
Steffen allegedly admitted to driving the vehicle up to the pump prior to the officer’s arrival. He reportedly had dilated pupils and rapid mumbled speech. Although he denied recent drug use, he showed measurable impairment on field sobriety tests. A PBT was administered, and showed his blood-alcohol level at zero. A urine sample was collected after a search warrant was obtained.
A check of Steffen’s records showed his driving privileges as revoked through April 2024 and barred through August 2023. His record indicated three OWI convictions since 2011, plus a pending OWI from December 2020. There were also reportedly two other OWI convictions beyond the 12-year lookback period.
When told he was under arrest, Steffen allegedly pulled away from the officer and fled, but was caught after a short chase. The officer suffered small abrasions during the interaction.
Steffen has been charged with OWI 3rd or subsequent, Interference with Official Acts causing Bodily Injury, Driving while Barred, and Driving while Revoked. If convicted on all counts, he could be sentenced to up to nine years in prison.
