CLERMONT, IOWA – Cops say this elderly Northern Iowa man’s night of drunken, careless driving culminated in his vehicle destroyed by fire and a violent reaction aimed at emergency responders.
The incident took place on January 26, 2025, at approximately 5:11 PM. Reportedly, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a vehicle on fire in the 5000 block of Harding Road, near Clermont, Iowa. When deputies arrived on the scene, the Clermont Fire Department was there, putting out the auto fire. The driver of the vehicle was able to exit the vehicle prior to the fire starting, police say, and he was not injured in this fire.
After further investigation of this incident, it was determined that the driver of the vehicle, 73-year-old David Tinker of Elgin, Iowa, was operating while under the influence. Apparently, Tinker did not go quietly as he was rounded up for arrest and committed a series of assaults.
As a result, Tinker was charged with:
– Operating While under the Influence 1st Offense (Serious Misdemeanor)
– 4 counts of Assault on Persons in Certain Occupations (Serious Misdemeanors)
– Interference with Official Acts (Simple Misdemeanor)
– Careless Driving
– Failure to Maintain Control
– Failure to Provide Proof of Financial Liability – Accident.
Tinker was taken to the Fayette County Jail where he was held for an initial appearance on $5,000 bond. He soon posted the required 10% and bonded out. He now awaits further court proceedings.
(PHOTOS via the sheriff’s office)
