WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — An off-duty officer with the Wichita Falls Police Department is behind bars after police said he drove through multiple yards early Sunday morning and later admitted to consuming alcohol before getting behind the wheel.
Iman Nematollahi, 30, of Wichita Falls, was booked into the Wichita County Jail on Sunday, November 19, 2023, and charged with driving while intoxicated, a Class B misdemeanor offense. As of the publication of this story, he remains behind bars on a $1,500 bond.
Sgt. Charlie Eipper, Public Information Officer for the Wichita Falls Police Department, confirmed that Nematollahi is an officer with the department and was off duty at the time of the incident. He said the WFPD had not taken any administrative action yet as of the publication of this story.
According to the arrest affidavit, WFPD officers were dispatched to 1605 Norman Street just after 7 a.m. on Sunday, November 19, in reference to a hit and run. Dispatch advised officers multiple people had called to report that a vehicle had driven into their yards and caused damage.
The affidavit said dispatch had also advised officers that the vehicle had left the scene. Police said the vehicle was described as a black or charcoal Dodge Challenger and the front driver-side wheel and tire were still on the scene.
Police said upon arrival, multiple people said the Dodge Charger drove into their yard and caused damage, then left the scene. Officers were advised the vehicle went north on Lake Park Drive, and the roadway had damage from the front wheel of the vehicle dragging.
The affidavit said while searching the area, officers located a vehicle matching the description and damage on Kirk Street and Midwestern Parkway. They said the only occupant of the vehicle was Nematollahi, whose legs were hanging out of the driver-side door of the vehicle.
According to the affidavit, officers noted Nematollahi had bloodshot eyes and unsteady balance. They also noted the odor of alcohol and heard slurred speech. They said that based on their experience and training, they could tell Nematollahi was intoxicated.
After conducting field sobriety tests and observing clues of intoxication, police said they read Nematollahi his Miranda rights. They said Nematollahi admitted to consuming 2 to 3 beers and taking prescription medication at about 10 p.m. on Saturday, November 18, 2023.
Officers said Nematollahi then said he had left Fast Eddy’s at 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 19, and went to a friend’s house, where he consumed a shot of whiskey while playing a card game.
According to Sgt. Eipper, Nematollahi may be facing additional charges stemming from this incident, including hit and run. He said that is currently under investigation.
This is a developing story. Stick with Texoma’s Homepage for updates as more information becomes available. All individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.