Erratic driver arrested

MT. PLEASANT — Complaints of erratic driving on Highway 218 lead an arrest on charges of Use of an Electronic Communications Device, Failure to Provide Proof of Financial Liability, Open Container, and Reckless Driving over the weekend.

According to Henry County Sheriff’s Office, dispatch received a complaint on Saturday, Feb. 3 at approximately 10:54 p.m of a dark colored passenger vehicle swerving all over the road on Highway 218, headed towards Mt. Pleasant.

At approximately 10:59 p.m., the Henry County Sheriff’s Office intercepted the vehicle near mile marker 43 on Highway 218 and performed a traffic stop.

Henry County Deputy Sheriff Logan Bass stated in a criminal complaint filed with the courts that he observed the matching the description “swerving all over the roadway.”

“The vehicle was swerving to the point of not allowing approaching vehicles to pass,” Bass stated.

According to Bass, as he approached the vehicle he identified Nelson Flores, 22, of Washington, as the driver.

“Nelson admitted to being on his phone while driving,” Bass reported. “An empty bottle of alcohol, which appeared to be fresh, was located in the driver's side door. Nelson was removed from the vehicle and taken into custody for further interviewing and testing.”

The criminal complaint states that a search at Henry County Jail produced a beer bottle cap found on Nelson’s person.

“Nelson also stated he was very tired and has been up since 3:00 a.m. of the same day,” Bass stated in the complaint. “Nelson was observed to be unsteady on his feet, had difficulty performing divided attention tasks, and seemed sluggish. Nelson willingly drove his vehicle in a manner known to be unsafe to others by using his cellular phone, being excessively tired, and consuming substances known to cause impairment. Test results showed a positive presence of alcohol in Nelson's breath.”

In addition to the other charges, an Operating While Intoxicated investigation is still pending.

Nelson was released on his own recognizance with a pretrial set for March 14 at 9 a.m.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com