(Greenfield, Iowa) – Adair County Sheriff Jeff Vandewater reports two arrests took place over the past few days. On Jan. 13th, 29-year-old Chutaia Marika Kei Brown, of Des Moines, was arrested by the Iowa State Patrol in the 1000 block of Pinewood Avenue, near Menlo. Brown was arrested for OWI/2nd offense, Child Endangerment, and for Driving Under Suspension. She was being held in the Adair County Jail on a $2,000 cash or surety bond, with 10% acceptable. Her arrest took place after Trooper Olson saw a vehicle stuck on Pinewood Avenue, south of Interstate 80, in Adair County.

The driver (Brown) was shoveling snow from around her 2006 Chevy Impala. The Trooper noted the woman seemed confused and lost and had bloodshot eyes. An odor of alcohol was coming from her, as well, according to the report. A 17-year-old and a seven-year-old were inside the vehicle. The Trooper learned Brown’s driving status was suspended. She allegedly told the Trooper she had had a wine cooler. The Trooper transported Brown to the Stuart Fire Department to perform Standard Field Sobriety Tests. During the process, she reportedly displayed many clues of impairment, and was placed under arrest. A test at the Adair County Jail indicated her Breath Alcohol content was .109, which is over the legal limit of .08.

And, Adair County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 34-year-old Amanda Dawn Ruchti, of Fontanelle for Possession of Drug Parapghernalia and Failure to Maintain control of her vehicle. The charges stem from an accident with entrapment, that took place October 12, 2023. On that date, Ruchti was extradited from a 2004 Chevy Cavalier by Fontanelle Fire and Adair County EMS. Firefighters observed a marijuana pipe on the floor of the vehicle during the extrication process, and informed Deputy Stofer. The pipe was covered with a green and red plastic covering. The pipe had a bowl with residue inside that was consistent with the smoking of marijuana. The pipe also smelled strongly of burnt marijuana.

A subsequent search of the car revealed a vape pen with a THC logo on it, indicating it contained THC. Both items were seized into evidence.

The Sheriff says following an investigation, Ruchti was arrested Jan. 11th, cited and released from custody.