Truck driver arrested after I-80 crash ties up traffic in Coralville 

Lang
3/13/22

A truck driver has been arrested on drunk driving charges after he allegedly crashed his rig on Interstate 80 in Coralville, tying up traffic Saturday afternoon.

Emergency crews were dispatched to the accident scene on westbound I-80 near the 1st Avenue exit just before noon Saturday for a semi crash with unknown injuries. The cab and trailer were blocking the right two lanes of traffic.

First responders reported to the Iowa State Patrol that the driver of the semi…30-year-old Christopher Beaton of Punta Gorda, Florida… appeared to be intoxicated. An open, half-full can of Bud Light was found under the driver’s seat.

Beaton was taken to the Coral Ridge Avenue Casey’s for a medical evaluation, although he reportedly refused treatment. Arriving State Patrol troopers say Beaton refused field sobriety and breath testing. He was arrested and charged with Operating While Intoxicated, Open Container of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle and Failure to Maintain Control.