Rock Rapids man faces felony charges; Charged with driving drunk with a juvenile in the vehicle

Rock Rapids, Iowa – A Rock Rapids man was arrested on OWI, child endangerment and driving while revoked charges.

According to a criminal complaint filed by the Lyon County Sheriff's Office with the Lyon County Clerk of Court, 39-year-old Joseph Slade of Rock Rapids is accused of driving while intoxicated with a child in the vehicle. He was arrested on Saturday.

In his statement, the deputy says Slade was observed driving a vehicle via video camera and witness. The deputy states that Slade had red, bloodshot, watery eyes, mumbled speech, the odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from him, and unsteady balance. He says Slade admitted to drinking. According to the report, he was unable to perform standard field sobriety tests due to his intoxication. It is said he agreed to a preliminary breath test which found he exceeded the legal limit. There was also a teenager in the vehicle at the time, the deputy says.

Slade was charged with third or subsequent offense of driving while intoxicated, a Class D felony. If convicted, Slade faces up to five years in prison. He was also charged with child endangerment and driving while license was refused or revoked.

Slade faces a preliminary hearing on Wednesday, October 9th.

At last report, Slade remained in the Lyon County Jail in Rock Rapids in lieu of $7,000 bail.