An Urbandale man had to be forcibly induced to take a seat in a De Soto Police Department officer’s patrol car Aug. 8 after being stopped for speeding and arrested on suspicion of drunk driving.
Michael William Moffitt, 36, of 4150 143rd Court, Urbandale, was charged with first-offense OWI, interference with official acts, speeding, open container and failure to provide proof of financial liability.
The incident began about 4:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 8 when a De Soto Police Department officer clocked Moffitt’s vehicle speeding northbound on U.S. Highway 169 near County Road F90 in southern Dallas County.
The officer initiated a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, Moffitt, who showed signs of intoxication, including “watery eyes and slurred speech,” according to court records.
Todd William Maguire, 35, of Waukee was a passenger in Moffitt’s vehicle.
The officer also “observed a open can of beer positioned behind the driver’s seat in an upright position, within reach of the driver.”
Moffitt did not comply with commands made by the officer, according to court records. He “refused to exit his vehicle” upon the officer’s direction and when the officer “advised Moffitt that he was legally required to exit his vehicle,” Moffitt “refused and stated, ‘Take me to jail.'”
According to court records, “When Moffitt finally exited his vehicle,” the officer patted him down for weapons and ordered him to sit in the back seat of the patrol car, but Moffitt “refused and took a step toward” the officer.
Outnumbered and lacking backup, the officer “drew (his) service weapon and ordered Moffitt to get into the back seat of (his) patrol car,” according to court records. After the officer issued “multiple commands, Moffitt finally complied” and “no further force was required.”
Moffitt was held in the Dallas County Jail on a $2,573.50 cash or surety bond prior to an initial appearance in Dallas County District Court. He is scheduled for arraignment Oct. 1 in Dallas County District Court.
Moffitt was convicted of first-offense possession of alcohol under age in 2003 in Polk County District Court.
*A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
