Sioux Center, Iowa — A Sioux Center man has been arrested on felony OWI and drug charges after a traffic stop in Sioux Center.
According to a criminal complaint filed with the Sioux County Clerk of Court’s Office by the Sioux Center Police Department, 42-year-old Rigoberto Chilel Ramirez of Sioux Center is accused of driving under the influence for the third or subsequent time, among other violations. He was arrested on Sunday.
In his statement, the officer says Chilel Ramirez was operating a motor vehicle at night without headlights or taillights and drove on the wrong side of the roadway. The officer says Chilel Ramirez possessed 3.11 grams of methamphetamine, along with drug paraphernalia and a digital scale. Additionally, Chilel Ramirez is accused of carrying a fictitious California ID. The officer says he exhibited signs of impairment, including a strong odor of alcohol emanating from his person, bloodshot watery eyes, impaired balance, extremely slurred speech, muscle tremors, and eyes that were highly sensitive to light. Furthermore, Chilel Ramirez failed standardized field sobriety tests and registered a .167 on a preliminary breath test, according to the officer. He says his Iowa driving status was barred and he did not have the required ignition interlock or SR-22 insurance. The officer also says Chilel Ramirez provided false identification information, fully aware of existing warrants, and did not have a valid driver’s license.
Chilel Ramirez 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 misdemeanor charges of possession of methamphetamine, driving while barred, and interference with official acts.
A preliminary hearing was scheduled for March 4th, but it has been waived. No further court dates have yet been set.
At last report, he remained in the Sioux County Jail in Orange City in lieu of a $7000 bond.
