Ottumwa man arrested in Henry County

MT. PLEASANT — A Henry County Deputy Sheriff arrested an Ottumwa man, late Jan. 28 after an improper registration lamp led to the discovery of the individual driving under suspension.

The deputy sheriff observed a passenger vehicle traveling eastbound on Highway 34 near the Westwood exit ramp, mile marker 230, on Jan. 28 at approximately 11:03 p.m. with an improper registration lamp. The Deputy followed the car approximately two miles observing it sway within its lane and driving on the centerline.

A traffic stop was performed on the vehicle at mile marker 233 on Highway 34. The driver was identified as Valentin Morales-Hernandez, 47 of Ottumwa. Valentin’s driving status in Iowa was found to be suspended. Valentin was subsequently arrested for Driving Under Suspension, a simple misdemeanor, and received a written warning for an Improper Registration Lamp.

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