Sheldon, Iowa — A Hull man has been arrested on a felony OWI charge after his arrest in Sheldon.
According to a criminal complaint filed with the O’Brien County Clerk of Court’s Office by the Sheldon Police Department, 31-year-old Austin Vanden Brink of Hull is accused of the third or subsequent offense of operating while intoxicated. He was arrested on Sunday.
In his statement, the officer says Vanden Brink was stopped for driving while is license status was “barred.” The officer states that Vanden Brink had watery eyes and dilated pupils and had the odor of marijuana coming from his person. The officer tells us Vanden Brink admitted to having smoked marijuana the day before but being around people who were smoking. He is said to have failed field sobriety tests. Vanden Brink also participated in an evaluation performed by a drug recognition expert, who said Vanden Brink was intoxicated by a stimulant.
He was charged with third or subsequent offense OWI, a class D felony. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison.
Vanden Brink faces a preliminary hearing on February 20th.
He was booked into the O’Brien County Jail in Primghar, and was released the next day after posting bond.
