The University Iowa police arrested a man Tuesday after he allegedly stole a cell phone from a patient at the UI Hospitals and Clinics while intoxicated.

Earl Surette, 51, of Davenport was charged with public intoxication.

According to a complaint from the UI police, UIHC security was called after Surette was reportedly caught stealing a cell phone from a patient.

He reportedly smelled strongly of alcoholic, had blood shot watery eyes, and slurred speech.

Police said Surette was carrying a juice bottle that smelled strongly of an alcoholic beverage, and he tested positive for alcohol on a preliminary breath test.

The complaint said Surette has two previous convictions for public intoxication, in 2005 and 2006.

— by Brittany Till