A local man faces numerous charges after an encounter with police near the Pedestrian Mall Wednesday.

A series of Iowa City police complaints said Eugene Harris, 46, address unknown, was charged after officers on foot patrol smelled an odor of marijuana coming from the area in which Harris and several others were, near the intersection of Washington and Dubuque Streets. The complaints said there were numerous cans of beer in paper sacks on the ground near the group.

According to the complaints, officers confronted Harris, who allegedly had bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and unsteady balance. Police asked if he had anything illegal in his possession, and Harris allegedly took out his wallet and produced two small baggies of a green leafy substance, which he admitted was marijuana, according to the complaints.

The complaints said Harris refused a breath test after his arrest. Harris has two previous public-intoxication convictions and two previous convictions for possession of marijuana.

Harris is charged with habitual public intoxication and third-or-subsequent possession of marijuana, both aggravated misdemeanors.

— by Matt Starns