Hunter
09/15/25
An Iowa City woman who allegedly caused a disturbance at an Iowa City nightspot was arrested Saturday night, as was another woman who tried to interject herself into the incident.
The disturbance occurred at Gabe’s on East Washington Street at approximately 11:30pm. Police responded for a trespassing complaint and made contact with 58-year-old Michelle Moulton of East College Street, and allegedly observed her with bloodshot watery eyes, slurred speech, impaired balance and a strong odor of ingested alcohol.
Moulton was reportedly given numerous opportunities to leave the establishment and became physically resistive. She was forced out of Gabe’s and police say she failed to comply with officer commands.
Moulton was handcuffed, and while waiting for a paramedic to check her out, she allegedly kicked an officer in the leg.
27-year-old Dolly Sperry of South Van Buren Street reportedly got involved with the arrest, harassing and becoming hostile with police despite being told repeatedly to step back. Sperry allegedly exhibited signs of intoxication including bloodshot watery eyes, slurred speech, and impaired decision-making.
After expressing her displeasure with Moulton’s arrest, Sperry reportedly spit at an officer. She allegedly became physically resistive and had to be taken into custody forcibly.
Moulton and Sperry each face charges of public intoxication, interference with official acts and assault on persons in certain occupations. If convicted on all counts, the two could be sentenced to a maximum 26 months in jail.