Hillsboro woman charged with OWI

MT. PLEASANT — A Henry County Sheriff’s office charged a Hillsboro woman with Operating While Under the Influence (OWI) during a traffic stop last Friday, March 8.

According to court records, on March 8 shortly after 10 p.m. a Henry County Sergeant observed Lisa Lowery, 48, of Hillsboro traveling over the posted speed limit near the intersection of 235th Street and Franklin Avenue.

“A subsequent investigation of operating while under the influence ensued and standardized field sobriety test administered,” a statement from Henry County Sheriff’s Office read. “As a result of this incident Lisa Lowery was charged and taken into custody for operation while under the influence (OWI). A written warning for speed and expired vehicle registration was also given.”

Sergeant Aaron Aplara stated in a criminal complaint filed with the courts that he observed “multiple indicators” of intoxication including red bloodshot watery eyes, unsteadiness on her feet, and an odor of alcohol on her breath.

“Admissions were made to consuming alcoholic beverage(s) consisting of ‘two wineglasses’ this evening prior to the incident,” the criminal complaint states.

Aplara then conducted a Standardized Field Sobriety Test including Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, Walk and Turn, and One Leg Stand. The Sergeant reported failures in each phase of the test, though Lowery refused a Preliminary Breath Test.

Reports state that once transported to the Sheriff’s Office, Lowrey consented to a breath sample test via the Datamaster returned a .144 Blood Alcohol Content result. This result is .064 above the legal limit of .08 BAC.

Lowery was taken into custody on charges of OWI. A check of history showed no previous convictions of the same offense within the previous twelve years.

A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com