Neosho man charged with DWI, endangering the welfare of a child

A Neosho man faces a felony charge of endangering the welfare of a child and a misdemeanor driving while intoxicated charge following a Neosho Police Department traffic stop Saturday in the area of S. Lafayette Street and Fain Street.

According to the probable cause statement, Franklin Ioanis (DOB 1987) was driving 10 to 15 miles per hour in a 25 mile per hour zone and repeatedly hitting his brakes when he was pulled over.

From the probable cause statement:

At the intersection of S. Lafayette St. and Robinson St., the vehicle crossed over the roadway with its driver's side tires onto the grass on the opposite side. The vehicle activated its turn signal and came to a complete stop in the roadway before turning. 

Upon turning onto S. Lafayette St., the vehicle again crossed the roadway with its driver's side tires touching the grass. I Initiated a traffic stop. 

The driver, identified as Frankin Ioanis, initially stopped in the middle of the street before slowly pulling over. Upon contact, I observed Ioanis to have bloodshot, glassy eyes, slow and mumbled speech, and a confused demeanor.

Ioanis  failed to produce a valid driver's license, stating he only had a passport. When asked if he had been drinking, the passenger stated they had consumed Kava. Ioanis admitted to consuming a large amount of Kava prior to driving. Kava is a depressant that affects the brain and central nervous system, impairing the ability to operate a motor vehicle safely, similar to the effects of alcohol.

A 7-year-old girl was in the back seat and was "not secured in proper restraints," according to the probable cause statement.