Springville man faces numerous charges after arrest, escape attempt

IOWA CITY - A Springville man faces numerous charges after being taken into custody for drugged driving and attempting to flee from custody.

According to Iowa City police criminal complaints, around 9:30 p.m. Sept. 25, 22-year-old Alen Hokic was seen driving with no headlights or taillights on. Police said Hokic appeared shaky and confused. A K-9 officer was called to the scene and alerted to the presence of drugs, police said.

Police searched the vehicle and found marijuana 'shake” on the passenger seat. Hokic allegedly told police he had not used drugs for a month, but later admitted to smoking pot that afternoon. He was taken to the Iowa City Police Station for a drug recognition expert evaluation. It was there that he was determined to be under the influence of drugs and unsafe to drive.

At the conclusion of the evaluation, Hokic was allowed to go in front of the police station and smoke a cigarette while his hands were cuffed in front of him. After finishing the cigarette, police said Hokic took off running southwest across Gilbert Street and down Washington Street.

As he fled, Hokick ditched his keys, cash, shoes and an open packet of cigarettes, police said. He was taken into custody after a short chase. His belongings were recovered and police said they found Alprazolam pills. Alprazolam is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders, but can also be used recreationally in conjunction with illegal drugs. Police said they also found a marijuana pipe and two grams of marijuana in a cigar wrapper inside the cigarette pack.

Hokic was taken to the Johnson County Jail where he faces charges of operating under the influence, two counts of possession of a controlled substance - second offense, fifth-degree theft for fleeing with the officer's $50 handcuffs still attached and escape from custody.