A Hawarden man faces a felony drunk driving charge following a traffic stop early Saturday morning near Ireton.
According to the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office, deputies arrested 47-year-old Severiano Batalla Castillo of Hawarden at about 2:17 a.m. Saturday on Garfield Avenue near Ireton.
Authorities say the arrest stemmed from a traffic stop for an equipment violation. Deputies say they observed signs of impairment, including bloodshot and watery eyes, and the odor of an alcoholic beverage. Court documents state Batalla Castillo admitted to consuming alcohol before driving.
According to court records, Batalla Castillo consented to field sobriety testing and a preliminary breath test, which allegedly showed a result of .159 BrAC. Authorities say a certified chemical breath test at the Sioux County Jail later showed a result of .164 BrAC.
Deputies also determined Batalla Castillo’s driver’s license was suspended and that he was required to have an ignition interlock device installed in his vehicle, but allegedly did not have one installed.
Batalla Castillo was charged with:
•Operating While Intoxicated — Third Offense, a Class D felony
•Driving While Suspended
•Operating Without an Ignition Interlock Device
Court documents indicate Batalla Castillo has prior OWI convictions in Cass County from 2017 and 2019.
If convicted on the felony OWI charge, he could face up to five years in prison.
At last report, Batalla Castillo was being held in the Sioux County Jail on a $5,000 cash or surety bond.
