Hunter
08/14/22
A Vinton man faces his third OWI charge after being pulled over for driving while suspended in Swisher Saturday afternoon.
According to the criminal complaint, 46-year-old Antonio Martin of 4th Avenue was observed driving a truck pulling a boat on Amana Road just before 5pm. A check of the truck’s license plate showed the registered owner as being suspended. Upon contact after pulling Martin over, the officer reportedly noticed he had bloodshot watery eyes, slurred speech, and an odor of ingested alcohol. Martin allegedly admitted to drinking beer, and a PBT showed his blood-alcohol level at .168 percent.
Martin reportedly told his girlfriend on the phone that he “only had a 30 pack.” A subsequent Datamaster test showed a .158 percent blood-alcohol level.
A check of Martin’s records showed his driving status as barred, and two previous convictions for OWI in 2010. He was charged with his third, a Class D Felony, as well as Driving while Barred. If convicted on both charges, Martin could be sentenced to up to seven years in prison.