MASON CITY – Mason City police were called to check on a man who passed out in Kmart’s entrance around 1pm on Tuesday. Police officers determined 54 year old Michael Handt of 124 4 St NW apt3, Mason City to be intoxicated.
Handt was arrested on one aggravated misdemeanor count of public intoxication 3rd or subsequent offense. Police transported him to Cerro Gordo County jail and he was released Wednesday after an initial appearance before a magistrate. Magistrate Rolf Aronson ordered a substance abuse evaluation and set a preliminary hearing for November 18th at 8:30 a.m.
Handt has a history of alcohol related convictions. Mason City police also arrested him for public intoxication on October 21st, for which he has entered a guilty plea. Court records show he has had four other arrests for public intoxication in the last six years. Handt has also accumulated 3 OWI convictions in Floyd County in the past eight years.
If convicted on the public intoxication 3rd or subsequent offense could face a maximum of up to two years in prison and would be forced to enroll in an alcohol treatment program.
Subject is innocent until proven guilty
