Grinnell man arrested for 
commandeering tractor while intoxicated at Iowa Speedway

A Grinnell man was charged with operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated early Sunday morning after he reportedly climbed into a John Deere tractor at the Iowa Speedway and drove off.

The Jasper County Sheriff’s office reported Monday that 35-year-old Todd R. Weaver was argumentative with authorities as he attempted to explain at 1:24 a.m. why he began operating the unit normally used for tram services shuttling speedway guests.

Deputies said Weaver had an odor of alcohol and bloodshot, watery eyes. He admitted to entering the tractor, but according to an office spokesperson, the subject allegedly was having trouble comprehending his situation as law enforcement had to explain to Weaver multiple times what was going on.

Officers said the subject failed sobriety testing, and a Datamaster test conducted at the Jasper County Law Center showed his blood alcohol content to be .141.

Weaver also was charged with criminal trespassing and taken to the Jasper County Jail.

Mike Mendenhall can be contacted at (641) 792-3121 ext. 422 or via email at mmendenhall@newtondailynews.com.