Yonas Michael, the Ames Middle School principal, was arrested early Sunday morning outside of an Ames bar. Michael was charged with OWI first offense.
According to Commander Jason Tuttle with the Ames Police Department, an officer was dispatched to the 2800 block of West Street due to a report of two males seen staggering out of Thumbs Bar and getting into a black Toyota Camry.
The witness reported the vehicle moved a little before coming to a stop in front of the bar.
An Ames officer arrived on scene and found a vehicle matching the description. The vehicle was parked on the street and running with its headlights on.
The officer made contact with Michael, who was sitting in the driver’s seat with the keys in the ignition, vehicle running and transmission in drive. According to Tuttle, the officer could smell an odor of alcohol from Michael’s breath. Michael also had slurred speech and watery, bloodshot eyes.
After being asked to step out of the car and walk to the patrol car, Michael stumbled while walking and swayed while standing. He had reportedly told the officer he was drinking since 7 p.m. The arrest took place at 2 a.m.
Michael admitted to drinking shots of Jack and Coke. He was asked to perform a field sobriety test but refused. He was asked to take a preliminary breath test but refused that as well.
At that point, Michael was placed under arrest and transported to the police department. He also refused implied consent for a breath test and was taken to the Story County Jail.
Tuttle said that when an individual refuses implied consent, their license is generally revoked for a longer period of time.
There was also an additional male in the vehicle.
The Iowa Standard reached out to both the Ames School District and Michael for comment. Neither has responded.
