SIOUX COUNTY, IOWA — What began as a routine welfare check on a disabled vehicle early Saturday morning quickly evolved into a sweep of underage citations and the arrest of an Northern Iowa man.
At approximately 6:00 AM on March 21, 2026, a Sioux County Deputy stopped to assist a stranded vehicle on Highway 10, about three miles northeast of Ireton. Upon making contact with the people at the scene, deputies quickly determined the group was under the influence of alcohol. Those remaining with the vehicle informed law enforcement that the driver and several other passengers had already fled the area on foot before the patrol car arrived.
The roadside investigation resulted in a string of charges for the young occupants:
- Kaylee Ivarsen, 18, of Beresford, South Dakota, and Beyonka Loers, 19, of Le Mars, were both cited for possession of alcohol and nicotine under the legal age.
- Raymond De Groot, 20, of Orange City, was cited for possession of alcohol under the legal age.
- A juvenile was referred to juvenile court for possession of alcohol and subsequently released to a parent.
The situation took an unexpected turn during the investigation when Alex Matthew Smith, 20, of Ireton, arrived at the scene. Authorities say Smith showed up intending to pick up one of the passengers; however, a records check revealed his driving privileges were currently barred.
Smith was taken into custody and transported to the Sioux County Jail, where he faces a charge of driving while barred.