UI police charged a Marion man with his sixth OWI after he was reportedly found driving backwards on Gilbert Street without his headlights on.

Kevin Knapp, 43, was charged Wednesday with OWI. Knapp has five prior OWI convictions, the most recent being on Nov. 24, 1998, in Linn County.

According to UI police, Knapp, who admitted to being the driver of the vehicle, had watery eyes, smelled strongly of alcohol, and admitted to drinking before getting in the vehicle to drive. After officers found Knapp returning to the vehicle, he told them he had not drank anything since he drove, reports say.

Knapp allegedly showed various signs of impairment while attempting to walk and stand on one leg before self-terminating the sobriety test. He reportedly blew a blood-alcohol level of .112.

OWI while having at least two prior convictions is a Class D felony, generally punishable by up to five years in prison and a maximum fine of $9,375.

— by Jordan Fries