Rock Valley, Iowa — A Rock Valley man has been arrested on a felony OWI charge and an eluding charge after a traffic stop near Rock Valley.
According to the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office, 35-year-old Richard Berkenpas of Rock Valley is accused of driving drunk and eluding law enforcement. He was arrested early on Sunday.
Authorities say Berkenpas attempted to elude the deputy and eventually stopped. Upon further investigation, deputies suspected Berkenpas was under the influence of alcohol.
Berkenpas was charged with operating while under the influence, third or subsequent offense, a class D felony. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison. He also faces a misdemeanor charge of eluding.
Berkenpas faces an initial hearing on Tuesday, November 25th.
He was booked into the Sioux County Jail in Orange City, and was released the same day after posting a $5000 bond.
The sheriff’s office tells us the Rock Valley Police Department assisted them.
