CLEAR LAKE – This Clear Lake man allegedly was goofing with police, claiming to be a victim, when it may turn out that he was just out tooling around drunk once again.
On September 17, 2025, 21-year-old Braxton Nathan Barney of Clear Lake called 911 to report that he had been assaulted, police told NIT.
“Upon further investigation, it was determined no assault occurred and Barney had made a false report using the 911 emergency phone system,” according to a police spokesman. “During the investigation, it was discovered Barney was operating a motor vehicle while showing multiple indications of impairment. He was subsequently charged with Operating While Intoxicated 2nd Offense.”
Barney was cuffed and taken to the Cerro Gordo county jail, where he was booked in at 7:45 PM that night. He was further charged with open container of alcohol and making a false report via a 911 call. He is awaiting a January 20, 2026 plea hearing.
Records show Clear Lake police nabbed Barney back in July of 2023 for drunk driving, and it cost him over $1,500 owed to Iowa courts, among other penalties, including 2 days in jail.