Tipton man accused of yelling racial slurs, spitting on IC Police officer after OWI arrest

Lang
11/15/20

A Cedar County man faces charges that he yelled racial slurs and spit on a police officer after his arrest for Operating While Intoxicated.

The arresting officer pulled over a 2006 Ford Mustang being driven by 25-year-old Benjamin Thomas of Tipton just before 5:45 Saturday night near Muscatine Avenue and Rundell Street. Thomas had reportedly committed several traffic violations.

Police say Thomas showed impairment on field sobriety tests, but his blood alcohol level was inconsistent with his level of impairment. Thomas was taken into custody anyway and charged with OWI – 2nd Offense. That’s when he allegedly became hostile and violent. Police say Thomas spit on the arresting officer and yelled racial slurs at others. He refused chemical testing at ICPD headquarters.

Thomas is additionally charged with Assault On Persons in Certain Occupations. If convicted on both charges, he faces a maximum of three years in prison.

Thomas was arrested last month after allegedly breaking into his ex-girlfriend’s Kimberlite Street residence in Tiffin and leaving a note. If convicted on 3rd Degree Burglary and 4th Degree Criminal Mischief charges in that case, he faces a maximum of six years in prison.