Hunter
01/10/20
A Des Moines woman was taken into custody after being stopped on a headlight violation and allegedly found over the legal limit to drive.
According to police, they noticed 47-year-old Kristina Johnson of University Avenue stopped at a red light at the intersection of South Clinton and East Washington streets just before 2am Friday, with just her running lights on. After she left the intersection, the officer stopped Johnson and allegedly found her with bloodshot watery eyes, thick, slow slurred speech, and the odor of ingested alcohol.
Johnson reportedly told police she had been at Pint’s downtown, where she claimed to have had two to three drinks. She consented to field testing, which police say showed signs of impairment.
Johnson allegedly said she believed she was safe to drive, but a preliminary breath test showed a blood alcohol level of .202. A Datamaster showed the level to be .179.
When she was at the Johnson County Jail for booking, a small jar was located in Johnson’s purse containing various prescription pills. She claimed the pills were ibuprofen and other prescribed medications.
As per procedure, Johnson was warned that if she introduced any controlled substances or contraband into the jail additional charges would be filed. During booking, a single hydrocodone pill was located in her property. Johnson allegedly didn’t claim to have a prescription for the drug, saying that her mother had one for it at one time. Five additional unmarked pills were also located and submitted for testing.
Johnson was charged with her first OWI, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of contraband in a correctional institution, failure to use headlamps when required, and a violation of financial liability coverage. If convicted on the charges, she could be sentenced to a prison term of over seven years.