District 47 State Representative Chip Baltimore was arrested early Friday morning and charged with an OWI.

Ames Police Sergeant Mike Arkovich told Raccoon Valley Radio that a call came in about a vehicle driving recklessly on Interstate-35, going onto westbound Highway 30 just after 3:30am. A police officer located the vehicle on Highway 30, just west of the South Dayton exit and initially stopped Baltimore for two traffic violations, including: failure to maintain a lane and driving under the speed limit. Arkovich said at times, the officer’s radar had Baltimore driving at 45-miles-per-hour in a 65-mph zone.

Baltimore then submitted himself to take a type of field breathalyzer test, which registered a 0.147-percent, nearly twice the legal amount of 0.08-percent. Arkovich pointed out that since Baltimore was charged with an OWI, his vehicle was going to be towed to the impound lot. Officers then took inventory of the vehicle and found a Smith and Wesson firearm under the driver’s seat. Arkovich said Baltimore had a permit to carry, but since he’s charged with an OWI, the permit is invalid. Therefore, Arkovich added, Baltimore also faces a possession of a firearm while under the influence charge.

Baltimore was arrested and booked into the Story County jail. He was released after his initial appearance in front of a judge. His next hearing is scheduled for February 8th.