MC man who plead guilty to 2nd offense OWI earlier this month, caught again

MASON CITY – A Mason City man who drove drunk in February, injuring one, was caught again Wednesday evening.

Joseph Patrick Fitzgerald, age 54, was pulled over by police at about 10:30 PM Wednesday evening. Police determined he was intoxicated and placed him under arrest. He was taken to the Cerro Gordo County Jail and held on $5,000 cash or surety bond.

Fitzgerald had his license to drive revoked on May 5, 2014, after pleading guilty to second offense operating while intoxicated. In that incident, which also took place on South Federal Avenue, on February 21, 2014, Fitzgerald reportedly was driving southbound through the intersection of 6th Street SW and Federal Avenue when he rear-ended another vehicle, inuring a person. He proceeded to leave the scene and continue driving south. Police described witness accounts which stated Fitzgerald “almost caused more accidents as he drove away. From the witness reports, it looks like Fitzgerald’s vehicle was weaving, cutting other drivers off, and not obeying traffic signals after the 1st reported collision (hit and run) near 6th and South Federal.” He was caught in the Homer’s Bar parking lot when he pulled in.

Fitzgerald had been charged with second offense operating while intoxicated, leaving the scene of an injury accident, assault causing bodily injury and false imprisonment. He was sentenced to 16 days in jail, two years of probation, and $4,732.75 in fines and court fees.

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