March 28, 2024

Police Blotter

Newton Police Department

• Tyler J. Annis, 19, of Newton was charged with operating while intoxicated and possession of marijuana after authorities were dispatched at 5:36 a.m. Feb. 1 to the 100 block of East Fourth Street North in reference to a driver slumped over the wheel of a vehicle and not waking up. The driver, identified as Annis, smelled of alcohol but refused sobriety and breath tests. He was arrested, and during a search of the vehicle, an officer found a substance that tested positive for marijuana. Annis was charged and released to appear in court.

• Jason L. Beckman, 36, of Newton was charged with driving while license barred after authorities stopped him at 5:52 p.m. Saturday in the 2900 block of First Avenue East for having an inoperable tail light and brake light. He was given a warning for the lights and for not wearing his seatbelt and transported to the Jasper County Jail.

• Meronica L. Breedlove, 23, of Des Moines was charged with driving while license suspended and cited for no insurance and open container after authorities stopped her at 2:02 a.m. Monday in the 400 block of South Third Avenue West for erratic driving and determined her license had been suspended. She was transported to the Jasper County Jail.

• Kyle E. Chance, 29, of Newton was charged with public intoxication and driving while license suspended after authorities observed a vehicle stuck in a snowbank at 12:41 a.m. Saturday at East Fifth Street North and North Sixth Avenue East. When officers responded to assist the driver, identified as Chance, they detected an odor of alcohol coming from him. Chance failed two of three sobriety tests, and a breath test indicated a BAC of .09. He was transported to the Jasper County Jail.

• Anthony R.F. Strange, 18, of Newton was charged with serious domestic assault after authorities were dispatched at 9:24 a.m. Sunday to a residence in the 900 block of North Sixth Avenue East in reference to a male subject who was out of control. He was charged for allegedly assaulting a woman and was transported to the Jasper County Jail.

A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. It is the policy of the Newton Daily News to release the names of individuals charged with a crime who are 16 and older.