A Bossier City, La., man has been charged with possession of firearms as a felon.

Mario Williams, 31, was charged Wednesday with possession of firearms as a felon.

According to an Iowa City police complaint, police approached Williams and numerous other individuals drinking outside 2446 Lakeside Drive. The report said Williams was in close proximity to multiple containers of alcohol, and refused a preliminary breath test post arrest.

Williams allegedly had bloodshot, watery eyes, the odor of ingested alcohol, and slowed speech.

The complaint said a search of the defendant’s backpack yielded a loaded .22 caliber handgun. He had been convicted of felonies on Oct. 22, 1998, and April 8, 2004.

Possession of firearms as a felon is a Class-D felony punishable by up to five years in jail and a maximum fine of $7,500.

— by Jordyn Reiland