Rock Rapids, Iowa — A Storm Lake man has been arrested on felony OWI and drug charges after a traffic stop in Rock Rapids earlier this week.
According to a criminal complaint filed with the Lyon County Clerk of Court’s Office by the county sheriff’s office, 32-year-old Joel Angelo Rivera of Storm Lake is accused of doing drugs and driving under the influence. He was arrested on Sunday.
In his report, the deputy stated that he was getting gas at Casey’s when he saw two people get inside a vehicle and leave without even acknowledging the officer, which, the officer says, “is peculiar behavior in Rock Rapids as they were clearly attempting to avoid drawing any attention to themselves.”
The deputy says that as they left he says he saw one of their brake lights was not functioning, so he made a traffic stop. He says the driver exhibited watery eyes, odd speech and dilated pupils, plus his hands were twitching at times.
According to the deputy, Rivera said that they were coming from the casino. He allegedly admitted to marijuana usage a few days prior and eventually admitted to using meth a few hours before the stop.
The deputy also stated he found meth and drug paraphernalia in the vehicle.
Rivera was charged with operating while intoxicated, third or subsequent offense, which is a class D felony. He also faces misdemeanor charges of possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, title transfer violation, and no insurance.
If convicted, Rivera could face up to five years in prison.
He faces a hearing on Monday, February 6th, 2023.
