MARION COUNTY – An Ames man was arrested this week after allegedly driving drunk on Highway 92 in Marion County, and later being found in possession of drugs.
According to court documents, on Tuesday, August 18, at around 12:36 PM, a Knoxville Police officer clocked 45-year-old Cory Sanford traveling at speeds exceeding 100 mph in a 65 mph zone in a 2013 Jeep Wrangler on Highway 92. The officer also observed Sanford’s vehicle swerving into the median while at high speeds, leading to them pulling him over for a traffic stop.
Police say that Sanford opened his vehicle’s center console when he was asked for his information, at which point the officer noticed multiple empty alcoholic beverage containers in the console. When asked to provide his driver’s license, Sanford reportedly provided his credit card. The officer also observed that Sanford exhibited bloodshot, watery eyes, slurred speech, and droopy eyelids, with an odor of alcohol emanating from his person, while appearing to be dazed and confused during the traffic stop. The officer also noted that Sanford’s pants were unzipped.
Court records state that Sanford consented to both a field sobriety test and a preliminary breath test, during which he allegedly showed signs of impairment and had an estimated blood alcohol content of 0.228, which is over twice as much as the legal limit.
Sanford was arrested during this incident and his vehicle was searched. Officers allegedly found 15 Fireball whiskey beverages in his vehicle, as well as a metal container that contained a green leafy substance that was determined to be marijuana and a pipe with burnt, leafy residue.
Sanford was transported to the Marion County Jail and later released after posting bond, but he now faces several charges, including Possession of a Controlled Substance – Third or Subsequent Offense (Class D felony), Driving While Barred (aggravated misdemeanor), Operating While Under the Influence – First Offense (serious misdemeanor), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Simple Misdemeanor).
