Inwood, Iowa — A 4-wheeler accident Monday morning led to the felony arrest of a Maurice man.
Rock Valley Police Chief Monte Warburton says a call came in to the communications center about 11:10 Monday morning reporting an ATV accident near Inwood. The caller told dispatchers that the person operating the ATV got it rolled back onto it’s wheels, and was driving away. Warburton says the caller also informed dispatchers that they thought the driver of the ATV was intoxicated.
According to Chief Warburton, no deputies were available in the area, so he and another Rock Valley officer sat at the edge of Rock Valley in case the ATV came that direction. A short time later, Warburton and his officer spotted an ATV with a broken windshield enter Rock Valley, and they attempted a traffic stop. Warburton says officers, with their patrol vehicle lights and sirens activated, followed the ATV for about one-and-a-half miles before the operator stopped.
Warburton tells KIWA that they determined the operator of the ATV was 27-year-old James Joseph Harpenau of Maurice. The Chief says it was also determined that Harpenau was under the influence of alcohol, and placed him under arrest for Operating While Intoxicated, fourth offense, which is a Class D Felony. Warburton says he was also cited for having an open container of alcohol.
Harpenau was taken to the Sioux County Jail where, as of Tuesday morning, he was still being held.
Harpenau Booking Photo Courtesy Sioux County Jail
