Andrew Lange, University Of Iowa Student, Sideswipes Police Cars In Smart Car

Smart cars are only as smart as their drivers.

A University of Iowa student challenged the reputation of the tiny cars this weekend when he allegedly sideswiped two police cars, nearly injuring an officer, all in what he claimed drunkenly was in the name of fighting al-Qaida, according to reports.

The incident occurred early on Sunday morning around 1:54 a.m., when the Iowa City Police were parked investigating an assault. The driver of the red Smart car, Andrew V. Lange, 22, of Maquoketa, reportedly came down the street without headlights on and missing his front license plate.

Reports say he nearly hit a police officer on a bike before side-swiping two parked police cars and coming to a stop. Police say they struggled to handcuff Lange in a tussle that injured an officer's wrist. During the arrest, Lange claimed that he believed he was in Afghanistan and that the police officers were members of al-Qaida.

Lange refused any kind of intoxication test. However, the police reported that Lange's eyes were bloodshot and watery and that he smelled distinctly of alcohol.

Lange now faces a DUI charge and interference with an Official Act resulting in Bodily Injury, an aggravated misdemeanor.

The University of Iowa stated that whether or not Lange has military experience is not public information.