Coralville man accused of stolen plate, trying to flee

CORALVILLE - A Coralville man is accused of driving under the influence, attempting to flee from police and driving a car with a stolen license plate.

Joshua Wardenburg, 33, was stopped by a Coralville police officer just after 12:30 a.m. Wednesday after the officer noticed Wardenburg driving a vehicle with a license plate number that had been flagged by University of Iowa Police as stolen, according to the criminal complaint.

The officer attempted to stop Wardenburg, but he tried to flee, crashing into a fire hydrant, police said.

Though he refused a field sobriety test, the officer said Wardenburg had impaired speech and balance, smelled of alcohol and had an open alcoholic drink in the vehicle and admitted to drinking.

Coralville Police Chief Shane Kron said the stolen plates will be returned to the Iowa Department of Transportation.

Wardenburg is charged with his third offense of operating under the influence and driving with a revoked or denied license because of previous OWIs and failing to have an ignition interlock device installed in a vehicle he drives.

He also is charged with fifth-degree theft for the stolen license plates, interference with official acts and possession of drug paraphernalia, Kron said.

l Comments: (319) 368-8516; makayla.tendall@thegazette.com