Ritter, Iowa — An Omaha man has been arrested on felony neglect or abandonment charges after a traffic stop near Ritter.
According to a criminal complaint filed with the O’Brien County Clerk of Court’s Office by the Iowa State Patrol, 46-year-old Damon T. McCoy of Omaha is accused of driving under the influence and drug offenses with children in the vehicle. He was arrested on Saturday.
In his statement, the trooper says McCoy was found to be driving a 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe northbound on Iowa Highway 60, allegedly at 90 MPH in a 65 MPH zone. The trooper says McCoy did not have a valid license. The trooper alleges McCoy was in possession of a rolled marijuana blunt and two small baggies of marijuana. According to the trooper’s report, McCoy admitted to smoking marijuana prior to driving. He says McCoy also allegedly failed SFST tests. He says McCoy submitted to a urine test. The trooper goes on to say McCoy’s three children under the age of 12 were in the vehicle with him.
McCoy was charged with three felony counts of neglect or abandonment of a dependent person, a class C felony. If convicted, McCoy could face up to 10 years in prison on each count. He also faces misdemeanor charges of operating while under the influence and possession of marijuana.
No court dates have yet been set in the case.
At last report, McCoy remained in the O’Brien County Jail in Primghar.
