NORA SPRINGS – Shortly after 4pm on Wednesday a Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s deputy made traffic stop west of Nora Springs near the corner of HWY 18 and 265th street.
As a result of that stop Jeffery Collins, age 28, of Mason City was arrested for 3rd Offense OWI, one count of child endangerment, speeding, and not having a drivers license.
Collins was transported to the Cerro Gordo County jail where he is currently being held on a $5000 cash or surety bond pending further court proceedings.
3rd Offense OWI is a class D felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $7500 fine if convicted. Child endangerment is an aggravated misdemeanor punishable by up to two years in prison if convicted. Law enforcement is mandated to notify DHS to follow up to ensure continued safety of the child.
According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 2,335 children were killed in drunk driving accidents between 1997 and 2002. Of those children who were killed, 68 percent of them were in a vehicle driven by an impaired driver.