Lang
3/18/23
Coralville Police say a drunk driving suspect became combative after officers refused his request to chew tobacco during an early Saturday morning traffic stop.
27-year-old Beau Oberbroeckling of Iowa River Landing Place was allegedly observed by an officer crossing the center line and hitting a curb as he drove his 2017 Jeep on the 600 block of Hayden Fry Way. A traffic stop was initiated, and Oberbroeckling reportedly showed signs of intoxication. He allegedly admitted to consuming two whiskey drinks before driving, and police say he appeared to have impaired balance. When asked to estimate his level of intoxication…a “1” being “stone cold sober” and 10 being “blackout drunk”, Oberbroeckling allegedly guessed he was a “3” or a “4”.
Police told Oberbroecking not to put anything in his mouth before they could do Datamaster testing. Arrest records indicate he asked if he could chew tobacco, and was told no. He allegedly ignored that command and reached for his tobacco tin, which was sitting on a nearby table, while reportedly exclaiming, “I’m going to anyways.”
Officers say they had to physically remove the tobacco tin from Oberbroeckling’s hands and place him in hand restraints.
Oberbroeckling is charged with Operating While Intoxicated and Interference With Official Acts.