Lang
12/27/25
One of three charges against a Georgia man arrested in downtown Iowa City early Christmas morning has been enhanced.
Iowa City Police say they encountered 31-year-old Joshua Smith of Baxley, Georgia outside of the Dublin Underground on South Dubuque Street just after 12:15 Christmas morning. He was allegedly arguing about his brother being kicked out of the bar. Smith allegedly began berating arriving officers, showed signs of intoxication, and admitted to drinking. His breath alcohol level was measured at .08%, and a post-arrest search of his person reportedly turned up a bottle of Adderall with a woman’s name on the label. At one point, Smith reportedly tried running from the officers, but was captured after a brief foot chase.
Smith was initially charged with Public Intoxication, Interference with Official Acts, and Unlawful Possession of a Prescription Drug. If convicted on all counts, he would have faced a maximum of 14 months in jail.
Online records now show the interference charge…which carries a 30-day maximum sentence… has been upgraded to Escape From Custody, which is a Serious Misdemeanor punishable by up to one year behind bars.