A Hawarden man faces multiple charges, including a felony OWI count, following a motorcycle crash Saturday night in Hawarden.
According to court documents, 37-year-old Richard Merrill Hardy was arrested by the Hawarden Police Department after officers were called shortly before 10:45 Saturday night about a possibly intoxicated motorcyclist traveling westbound on 15th Street toward Casey’s.
Authorities say officers located Hardy after his motorcycle crashed near the west side of the West Sioux Elementary School parking lot at 12th Street and Avenue I.
Court records state officers detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from Hardy while speaking with him following the crash. Investigators allege Hardy refused field sobriety tests.
Hardy was charged with Operating While Intoxicated — Third Offense, a Class D felony. Court documents allege Hardy had two prior OWI convictions in Sioux County, one in July of 2025 and another in January of 2026. If convicted on the felony charge, he could face a maximum of five years in prison.
Additional charges filed against Hardy include:
•Operating Without an Ignition Interlock Device
•Driving While License Denied or Revoked
•Driving While License Suspended
•Interference with Official Acts
•Failure to Maintain Control
•No Valid Driver’s License
•Failure to Possess a Valid License While Operating
•Operating a Non-Registered Vehicle
•Failure to Provide Proof of Financial Liability
According to affidavits, officers determined the motorcycle did not have SR-22 insurance or an ignition interlock device installed, and Hardy allegedly did not possess a motorcycle endorsement.
Authorities further allege that Hardy became non-compliant during the investigation and resisted officers while they attempted to detain him.
Online jail records indicate Hardy was later released after posting bond. The listed bond amount was $6,167.63 cash or surety.
