Iowa City woman charged with OWI after allegedly crashing into a backyard garden pole

Hunter
11/07/23

An Iowa City woman was arrested last week after allegedly falling asleep at the wheel and driving into a resident’s back yard.

The incident occurred around 6 :45 am on Thursday.  39-year-old Nancy Raudales Martinez of South Scott Boulevard reportedly drove her Honda into the back yard of a home on the 3500 block of Vista Park Drive, striking a garden pole. She was allegedly asleep initially, but got out of the vehicle before re-entering and falling asleep again.

First responders on scene noted Martinez had a strong odor of ingested alcohol, and when she awoke had bloodshot watery eyes and slurred speech. She was not injured in the crash.

Martinez allegedly admitted to having an alcoholic beverage after leaving work that morning. After showing impairment on field sobriety tests, provided a PBT showing her BAC at .147 percent.  She then later reportedly admitted to having multiple beers and tequila drinks, and said she could still feel its effects.

Martinez was charged with her first OWI, a serious misdemeanor.