An Ottumwa woman faces multiple charges after police say she attempted to drive away from the scene of an assault while intoxicated with a child in the vehicle.
40-year-old Ashley McManus has been charged with neglect or abandonment of a dependent person, a Class C felony, and operating while under the influence (second offense), an aggravated misdemeanor.
Court records say officers from the Ottumwa Police Department responded to an assault on the corner of Church Street and Moore Street at 1:01 AM on July 8.
According to the criminal complaint, McManus’ vehicle was leaving the scene of an assault. Officers stopped the car and observed McManus displaying slurred speech, bloodshot and watery eyes, and a strong odor of alcohol from her breath. Two open cans of beer were discovered in the center console which McManus allegedly tried to conceal.
Police say McManus showed signs of impairment while taking a Standardized Field Sobriety Test. McManus registered a BAC of 0.225, over three times the legal limit.
Additionally, a four-year-old child was seen in the back of the vehicle without any restraints.
McManus was placed under arrest and transported to the Wapello County Jail. She was later released after posting a $10,000 bond.
