Rock Rapids, Iowa — A late Tuesday night traffic stop has led to the arrest of a Rock Rapids man on several narcotics-related charges.
According to the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, one of their deputies observed a car make a left turn from Highway 9 in Rock Rapids, turning from the through-traffic lane, across the turn lane, then shortly thereafter making a right turn without stopping for a stop sign.
The deputy says he activated his vehicle’s emergency lights, but the driver of the car failed to stop for several blocks, finally pulling into a driveway and stepping from the car.
According to authorities, the driver of the car, 43-year-old Nathan Helwig of Rock Rapids, was extremely agitated when he stepped from the car, which caused the deputy to detain him and place him into the back of the squad car for officer protection. Deputies say Helwig requested the deputy to return to Helwig’s car and retrieve his cell phone. While doing so, the deputy allegedly saw a substance resembling marijuana in a piece of drug paraphernalia on the car’s seat, which prompted a search of the vehicle. During the search, a quantity of methamphetamine. According to Lyon County authorities, Helwig told the deputy that the items weren’t his and accused the deputy of planting them in his car.
Helwig was placed under arrest and charged with 3rd Offense Operating While Impaired (OWI), a Class D Felony; Felony Possession of Methamphetamine; Misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; Driving Under Suspension; and Operating a Motor Vehicle Without an Ignition Interlock Device.
Helwig was placed under arrest and transported to the Lyon County Jail in Rock Rapids.
A preliminary Hearing in the case has been set for September 10th, according to online court records.
