On Saturday, September 3rd, 2016, at 6:34 p.m., the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop in the 3400 block of 355th Street on a 1999 Ford Explorer, driven by Thomas Ferguson (23) of Ruthven. During the traffic stop, the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office investigated Ferguson for possibly operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. Following the investigation, Thomas Ferguson was arrested for OWI 3rd offense= class D felony and driving while barred= serious misdemeanor. Ferguson was also cited for open container, violation of financial coverage, fraudulant use of registration, and operating a non registered vehicle= all simple misdemeanors. Ferguson was transported, without incident, to the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office and booked in to await his initial appearance before a magistrate.
A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.