Hartley, Iowa — A Hartley man has been arrested on felony OWI charges after an incident near that town.
Authorities say 38-year-old Matthew Ruyter of Hartley was arrested Tuesday on a felony OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) charge, as this would be his third or subsequent alleged offense, according to a criminal complaint from the O’Brien County Sheriff’s Office filed with the Clerk of Court.
In his statement, the deputy says the sheriff’s office received an automated call about a cell phone user being in an accident. As the deputy was en route to the scene, the location of the cell phone began moving, says the deputy. The GPS data indicated that the person with the cell phone drove onto Highway 18 and then turned southbound onto Taft Avenue. The deputy says he located a vehicle in the area at that time that had no taillights. When he made contact with the driver, the deputy says Ruyter’s eyes were bloodshot and watery, and the odor of an alcoholic beverage was coming from his breath. He says Ruyter failed some sobriety tests and refused others.
He 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 December 9th.
At last report, he remained in the O’Brien County Jail in Primghar in lieu of bond.
KIWA Staff Photo
