KDSN RADIO News
Mayor of north-central Iowa town arrested for OWI
The mayor of Fort Dodge faces a drunk driving charge.
Fifty-two-year-old Matt Bemrich was charged with operating while under the influence/first offense and improper use of lanes.
Fort Dodge police tried to stop Bemrich and his 2025 Ford Truck at around 9 p.m. on September 10th after it was spotted crossing the center line of a road numerous times. Bemrich would not stop and instead drove to his home with the police following him.
The criminal complaint says Bemrich smelled of alcohol and admitted to having drinks prior to driving. In a breath test, Bemrich’s blood-alcohol content was found to be .18, according to the complaint. A blood alcohol content of .08 is the level at which a person is considered to be drunk, under Iowa law.
Bemrich made his initial appearance on Tuesday in Webster County Magistrate Court and waived his right to a preliminary hearing on the OWI charge, so the case will proceed to arraignment and trial.
(By Pat Powers, KQWC, Webster City)
