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WORTHINGTON — A Worthington man has been charged with two DWI-related offenses for reportedly having an alcohol concentration of .08 within two hours of operating a motor vehicle, and having three or more qualified prior impaired driving incidents within the last ten years. Both charges are at the felony level and carry a maximum sentence of 7 years imprisonment and a $14,000 fine or both.
On May 25, an officer with the Worthington Police Department responded to a report of people drinking inside a vehicle in the 1600 block of Miller Street in Worthington. Upon arrival the officer observed a vehicle running and that there were several people inside.
The officer approached the vehicle and observed the driver, later identified as Romeo Morales-Ramos, 24, reportedly drinking a beer. The officer reported being able to smell the odor of alcohol while standing outside the vehicle.
Ramos declined to roll down the window at the officer’s request, so the officer opened the door. Several open beer bottles were observed scattered inside the vehicle, and Ramos’ eyes appeared bloodshot and watery, according to the report.
The officer asked Ramos to exit the vehicle which he declined to do. The officer proceeded to grab Ramos by the arm and asked him again to exit. At this point, Ramos complied.
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While speaking with the officer Ramos reportedly admitted to drinking 12 beers and having the vehicle running. He submitted it to a preliminary breath test with a result of .19% blood alcohol content.
Ramos was placed under arrest and transported to the Nobles County Jail. He's scheduled to make his initial court appearance on June 13 and his bail has been set at $10,000 with conditions.
Upon reviewing Ramos's history, the officer found Ramos’s driving status was revoked and that he had three prior DWI convictions in Iowa and Minnesota.
