A Des Moines man was arrested in Newton after police responded to a disorderly conduct call at a local bar.
According to the Newton Police Department, officers were dispatched to the 100 block of 1st Avenue East at approximately 1:24 p.m. on March 7 for a report of disorderly conduct.
When officers arrived, they spoke with a bartender who told authorities that 37-year-old Nathaniel Sjaardema of Des Moines had stated he might not leave at closing time and was making staff uncomfortable.
According to the criminal complaint, officers approached Sjaardema and told him twice that the bartenders wanted him to leave the establishment. Authorities say Sjaardema began acting aggressively by clenching his fists and yelling. Police described his actions as pre-fight indicators.
Court filings state that officers then removed Sjaardema from the barstool and placed him against a wall. He was handcuffed and informed he was under arrest.
During a search incident to the arrest, officers reported finding approximately 1.9 grams of a substance that field-tested positive for marijuana and about 0.9 grams of a substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamine.
Court documents indicate Sjaardema has multiple previous convictions for possession of a controlled substance.
Sjaardema was taken to the Jasper County Jail. A court hearing in the case is scheduled for March 16.
He is charged with disorderly conduct — fighting or violent behavior, a simple misdemeanor.
Editors Note: All information was obtained from court documents related to the ongoing investigation.
