UI student accused of stealing Iowa City street sign, providing false ID to police

Lang
4/5/25

A University of Iowa student is accused of stealing an Iowa City street sign, then lying to police about his identity.

Iowa City Police say they observed 19-year-old Tyler Benhart of Burge Hall carrying the sign near the intersection of Dubuque and Church Streets just before 1:15 Friday morning. Investigators say he smelled strongly of ingested alcohol and showed signs of intoxication. His breath alcohol level was recorded at .141%.

Benhart reportedly presented an officer with a fake ID. A search incident to his arrest allegedly turned up a second fictitious license as well as a THC vape pen.

Benhart was arrested and charged with Interference With Devices, Signs, or Signals, as well as Public Intoxication, Providing False Identity Information, Possession of a Controlled Substance, and two counts of Possession of a Fake ID. If convicted on all charges, he faces a maximum of over three years in jail.