Sioux County, Iowa — A Rock Valley man has been arrested on a felony OWI charge.
According to a criminal complaint filed with the Sioux County Clerk of Court’s Office by the county sheriff’s office, 26-year-old Hermides Acuna Mejia of Rock Valley is accused of driving under the influence for the third or subsequent time. He was arrested on Saturday.
In his statement, the deputy says Acuna Mejia was seen operating his vehicle on the wrong side of a two-lane highway. When he spoke with Acuna Mejia, the officer says he could see that he had bloodshot, watery eyes, and the odor of a consumed alcoholic beverage emitting from his person. He says Acuna Mejia admitted to consuming alcohol prior to driving. He also failed field sobriety tests and was then taken in for certified chemical testing and provided a breath sample over the legal limit.
Acuna Mejia was charged with operating while intoxicated, third or subsequent offense, a class D felony. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison.
He faces a preliminary hearing on Tuesday, August 12th.
At last report, he remained in the Sioux County Jail in Orange City in lieu of a $5000 bond.
KIWA Staff Photo
