An Iowa City man was charged Wednesday with eluding police after he allegedly failed to stop his vehicle during an attempted routine traffic stop by Iowa City police.

According to police complaint, Alex Gonzales, 22, was driving on Riverside Drive when an officer tried to initiate a traffic stop in a marked patrol vehicle. Gonzales then allegedly ran a red light, westbound on Highway 1.

He then reportedly swerved to avoid a stopped vehicle in the roadway, then proceeded to the Lodge with the patrol vehicle following.

Gonzales’ vehicle was located in the parking garage beneath the Lodge.

According to the complaint, Gonzales went to the Iowa City police station and stated that he drove alone the previous evening and had been drinking heavily. He also allegedly said he did not remember driving home.

Eluding is a serious misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison and a fine of $1,875.

— by Matt Starns