Traffic Crash Leads To Felony Arrest

Maurice, Iowa — A Sheldon man was jailed by Sioux County Deputies late Monday morning.

Sioux County authorities say the arrest  stemmed from a 911 call at 5:37 Monday morning, from a caller who reported a motor vehicle accident that occurred on 470th Street, two miles east of Maurice. The caller reportedly stated that the vehicle had rolled and no one could be found in or near the vehicle.

Deputies say emergency responders were dispatched, as well as the sheriff’s office drone response team, and a search perimeter was set up with the assistance of the Maurice Fire Department. A short time later, deputies say, the drone, equipped with thermal detection, located 31-year-old Armondo Lopez-Bartalon laying in a cornfield south of the accident scene. A second occupant, 26-year-old Jose Perales,of Orange City, was reportedly located walking one mile east of the accident location.

Lopez-Bartalon was charged with public intoxication and felony forgery, according to authorities.

The sheriff’s office was assisted by the Maurice Fire Department, Maurice First Responders and the Orange City Ambulance.

Deputies say the accident remains under investigation.

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