More than 170 impaired drivers have been arrested on Sioux County roads so far this year.
Data from the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office shows 173 OWI arrests were made between January 1 and December 18, 2025.
Of the total arrests, 72 were made by Sioux County deputies, while 101 were made by local police departments in Sioux Center, Orange City, Rock Valley, and Hawarden, along with the Iowa State Patrol.
Chad Van Ravenswaay, a Sergeant and Drug Recognition Expert with the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office, says operating while intoxicated remains one of the most common crimes deputies encounter on county roadways.
Who Is Being Arrested — and When
The largest number of arrests involved drivers ages 21 to 29, accounting for 69 cases. Another 39 arrests involved drivers ages 30 to 39, while 28 were between 40 and 49. Sixteen arrests involved drivers under the age of 21.
Impaired driving was most common overnight. Sixty-seven arrests occurred between midnight and 3:59 a.m., followed by 46 arrests between 8:00 and 11:59 p.m.
Alcohol and Drug Impairment
Van Ravenswaay says the 173 total includes drivers impaired by alcohol as well as drugs.
Thirty-seven of this year’s OWI arrests involved drugs other than alcohol. Van Ravenswaay says marijuana is the most common drug encountered, particularly as its availability has increased.
He emphasized that OWI charges are handled the same regardless of the substance involved.
Fatal Crashes and Enforcement
So far this year, Sioux County has seen three fatal crashes, with at least two involving a suspected impaired driver, according to Van Ravenswaay.
He says increased enforcement, officer training, and population growth all contribute to the higher number of arrests.
A Preventable Crime
With December recognized as Impaired Driving Awareness Month, Van Ravenswaay stressed that even small amounts of alcohol can affect driving ability.
Law enforcement continues to urge drivers to plan, choose sobriety, and designate a driver — reminding the public that impaired driving is entirely preventable.
