Lang
12/21/25
Iowa City Police say a drunk driving suspect refused their commands not to drive, then assaulted an officer.
The arresting officer reports first encountering 28-year-old Elijah Alger of Des Moines along with his girlfriend and another male as they were downtown at about 1:15 Sunday morning. All three reportedly showed signs of impairment, and were told to find an alternative way home as they approached the girlfriend’s vehicle parked on the 100 block of South Linn Street. The arresting officer reports that at about 1:30 Alger and his girlfriend returned to the car and drove away with the headlights off.
A traffic stop was initiated and Alger was determined to be the driver. The officer claims Alger seemed confused and didn’t recognize him despite the two having had an encounter just 15 minutes earlier. Alger allegedly refused to step out of the vehicle, and had to be forced out by multiple officers. A fight ensued, and Alger was eventually taken into custody.
Alger is charged with Operating While Intoxicated, Assault on Persons in Certain Occupations, and Interference With Official Acts. If convicted on all three counts, he faces a maximum of 37 months in jail.