Hunter
07/11/23
A North Liberty area transient was arrested over the weekend for driving while impaired and possession of drugs.
60-year-old Jeffery Berry was stopped for speeding in the 2200 block of Mehaffey Bridge Road at approximately 5:21 pm Sunday. Upon contact, police say he was sweating profusely, had bloodshot watery eyes, mumbled speech and jerky animated body movements. Later, Berry reportedly turned lethargic with droopy eyelids and slow speech.
A K9 alerted to the presence of drugs, and officers allegedly found a 9 gram rock of suspected methamphetamine.
A check of Berry’s record showed two previous OWIs, as well as a driving status of barred as a habitual offender through March 2027.
Berry has been charged with OWI third offense; a Class B Controlled Substance violation; Driving While Barred; and Failure to Affix Drug Tax Stamp. If convicted on all counts, he could be sentenced to up to 37 years in prison.