Driver pulled over while watching HBO on Highway 218

OLDS — An Iowa State Patrol Trooper took a Texas man into custody following a traffic stop for distracted driving.

According to the criminal complaint filed with Iowa Courts, the trooper pulled over Marquis Thompson, 32 of Houston, Texas, as he drove a commercial motor vehicle south bound near Olds on Highway 218.

“The defendant was distracted while driving the vehicle, his eyes would come off the roadway and look down toward the dash and toward his lap for extended periods of time,” Trooper A. Ramos reported. “Defendant eventually admitted to being on his phone watching HBO MAX TV Show while operating motor vehicle.”

Ramos further stated that Thompson admitted to having beer and marijuana inside the vehicle.

Thompson was taken into custody and charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of a Controlled Substance, Marijuana, first offense, both simple misdemeanors. Additionally, Thompson was issued scheduled violations for texting/using a mobile phone while operating a commercial vehicle, failure to comply with safety regulation rules, operating commercial vehicle in presence of alcohol, and no valid commercial driver’s license.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com