Creston

Rafael S. Ramirez, 30, of Ottumwa, was taken into custody 8:44 a.m. Nov. 22 at 803 N. Sumner St. on the charges of possession of drug paraphernalia, fifth degree theft and third degree burglary.

According to a Creston Police report, officers were dispatched to Casey’s General Store for a reported robbery. When officers arrived they made contact with a male, identified as Ramirez, who was attempting to get money out of the ATM. Ramirez was having problems operating the ATM, and while officers were speaking with him, a debit card in a Casey’s employees name fell onto the ground. The employee stated she did not know Ramirez and the card had been in her vehicle which was parked in the store’s parking lot. Ramirez did not have permission to enter the vehicle or to use the debit card.

Employees said Ramirez was convinced he had paid for his items: two Mountain Dews, two bags of chips and a bag of sunflower seeds, but had not. Ramirez was visibly impaired and under the influence.

After being handcuffed by officers, Ramirez was searched and a glass pipe containing residue was found in his left jacket pocket, which field tested positive for methamphetamine. Ramirez admitted to officers he used methamphetamine.

Ramirez was transported to Union County Jail and held on $2,600 cash or approved surety bond.