On January 28th, 2025, at approximately 11:03PM a Henry County Deputy Sheriff observed a passenger vehicle traveling eastbound on Highway 34 near the Westwood exit ramp (mile marker 230). The vehicle had an improper registration lamp. The Deputy followed the car approximately 2 miles observing it sway within its lane and driving on the center line.
A traffic stop was performed on the vehicle at mile marker 233 on Highway 34. The driver was identified as Valentin Morales-Hernandez, 47 of Ottumwa. Valentin’s driving status in Iowa was found to be suspended. Valentin was subsequently arrested for Driving Under Suspension, a simple misdemeanor, and received a written warning for an Improper Registration Lamp.
