(Spirit Lake)– A local law enforcement official was arrested Saturday after allegedly operating a side-by-side while intoxicated at a state recreation area on the west side of Big Spirit Lake. A criminal complaint filed by an enforcement officer with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources accuses 61-year-old Michael Martens of Estherville of operating while intoxicated…1st offense. Martens is the Emmet County Sheriff.
In the complaint, the officer states he pulled over the side-by-side after observing it being driven into the Marble Beach State Recreation area past signs prohibiting the use of side-by-sides and golf carts in that area. Upon making contact with Martens, the officer reported smelling alcohol. The complaint states that Martens failed sobriety tests. He was booked into the Dickinson county jail and was released Sunday morning following a court appearance. He’s due back in court July 1st.
Martens indicated previously he’s retiring and won’t be seeking re-election.
