Iowa State Patrol and Ottumwa Police Department responded to a call regarding a potential intoxicated driver after a hit-and-run investigation.
On May 7th at approximately 5:57 PM, the Iowa State Patrol responded to a call from the Ottumwa Police Department regarding a possible intoxicated driver in the 300 block of Lynwood Avenue.
Criminal complaint notes, upon arrival, law enforcement found Cole Owens, 30, of Ottumwa, stopped in a 2020 Ford pickup truck. The officers informed the troopers that Owens had been stopped as part of an investigation into a hit-and-run incident that occurred on Church Street.
Court documents state after talking with the State Troopers, the Ottumwa Police made contact with Owens and observed several signs of impairment, including bloodshot and watery eyes, a strong odor of alcohol, slurred speech, and difficulty maintaining his balance.
Court papers mentions Owens was asked to perform field sobriety tests and failed all three. A preliminary breath test revealed a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .205.
As a result, Owens was arrested and taken to the Wapello County Jail. He was later released after posting bond. Owens has waived his preliminary hearing and is facing charges of operating under the influence (first offense), classified as a serious misdemeanor.
Editors Note: All information was obtained from court documents related to the ongoing investigation.
