Norwalk man arrested for OWI after fleeing, fighting with police

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Nicholas Ryan Ward, 39, of Norwalk was arrested early Wednesday on charges of first-offense OWI, eluding and interference with official acts.

An allegedly drunken Norwalk man was arrested early Wednesday in Waukee after a brief flight from and struggle with the arresting officer.

Nicholas Ryan Ward, 39, of Norwalk was charged with first-offense OWI, eluding and interference with official acts.

The incident began about 2 a.m. Wednesday near Sixth and Locust streets in Waukee, where a Waukee Police Department Officer allegedly saw Ward run a stop sign in a 2015 Dodge Caravan.

A traffic stop was initiated, and the police officer allegedly “could smell the odor of an alcoholic beverage come from the vehicle” as he approached, according to court records. Ward allegedly “had slurred speech and was incoherent” when the officer made contact and “admitted that he was coming back from the bar, and he had approximately four beers.”

When the officer returned to his patrol car with Ward’s license and registration, Ward “proceeded to drive away” from the traffic stop, according to court records. The officer followed in his patrol vehicle for some distance and observed Ward “back his vehicle up and rear end another vehicle” before parking his van.

Ward then exited his van. He allegedly refused to obey the officers directives and “began walking away” and “started reaching in his pants.”

The officer “guided Nicholas to the ground, where he began to actively resist detainment,” according to court records.

Officers judged Ward an unsuitable candidate for standard field sobriety tests, and he refused to take a preliminary breath test. Ward was transported to the Dallas County Jail, where he again refused a breath test.

Ward is held in the Dallas County Jail on a $3,000 cash or surety bond. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing March 18 in Dallas County District Court.

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

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