A Jefferson man was charged with drunk driving Tuesday after rear-ending a vehicle on Iowa Highway 141 west of Perry.
Richard Donny Webb, 44, of 1516 Hawthorne Lane, Jefferson, was charged with second-offense OWI and issued a citation for failure to stop in assured clear distance.
The incident occurred about 4:30 p.m., when Heidi Love of Perry was traveling in the 14000 block of Iowa Highway 141 at F Avenue. Love slowed and signaled to make a turn in her Dodge Ram pickup and was struck from behind by a Chevrolet Traverse, driven by Webb.
According to court records, Dallas County Deputy Sheriffs “observed beer cans around the Traverse” and found that Webb “smelled strongly” of alcohol and “had slurred speech” and “bloodshot and watery eyes.”
Webb “admitted to consuming alcohol,” according to court records. He blew a .144 on the breathalyzer at the Dallas County Jail.
All parties were examined at the scene by Dallas County EMS and refused transport. Damage to Love’s vehicle was estimated at $15,000, and damage to Webb’s vehicle was estimated damaged at $15,000.
The Perry Police Department, Perry First Responders and Perry Volunteer Fire Department also responded.
Webb was held in the Dallas County Jail on a $2,175 cash or surety bond. He is scheduled for a hearing Dec. 28 in Dallas County District Court.
Webb was convicted of first-offense OWI in 2016 in Dallas County District Court.
*A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
