Adair County Sheriff Jeff Vandewater reports a man from California was arrested last week, following a traffic stop on eastbound I-80 at mile marker 76. The Iowa State Patrol stopped a 2016 Mini Cooper driven by 39-year old David Paul Willitzer, of San Diego, at around 7:40-p.m. Dec. 24th, after dispatch received numerous calls about a vehicle unable to maintain lanes or speed and had struck another vehicle near the 22 mile marker.

The Trooper observed the suspect vehicle cross the center line several times, and that the vehicles’ speeds varied. Following the traffic stop, and upon further investigation, the Trooper saw Willitzer apparently banging or shaking his head, while the windows to his car were rolled down. He also an open container of beer in the center console. Willitzer admitted to drinking two craft beers with 6.8% alcohol content each, with the third can in the console about half-empty.

Based on observations of his standard Field Sobriety Test, and a preliminary BrAC of .124, Willitzer was arrested for OWI/2nd offense. He was also cited for Open Container-Driver, No valid driver’s license, Operating without registration, and improper use of lanes. He was transported to the Adair County Jail and released Christmas Day on a $2,000 cash or surety bond.

And, at around 5:45-p.m., Thursday, 44-year old Joseph Eric Funke, of Fontanelle, was pulled over at Highway 92 and the Bridgewater Road. The Deputy knew Funke was barred from driving, and Funke admitted he knew that was true. He was cited for the offense and released at the scene.