A chilling scene unfolded Tuesday evening on a stretch of Highway 30 near Boone, Iowa. Witnesses frantically dialed 911, reporting a vehicle weaving erratically, ultimately crossing into oncoming traffic. The driver, they feared, was unconscious.
The vehicle belonged to Adria Kester, Chief Judge of Iowa’s Second Judicial District, the state’s largest. Witnesses described her slumped over the steering wheel, unresponsive as her pickup truck drifted dangerously close to a head-on collision.
Quick thinking prevented a tragedy. A bystander, witnessing the unfolding danger, bravely climbed through the back window of Kester’s truck and managed to put the vehicle in park, halting its perilous journey.
When law enforcement arrived, they found Kester unsteady and unable to walk without assistance. The air inside the vehicle carried the distinct scent of alcohol, and officers noted her bloodshot eyes and slurred speech.
A cup containing a liquid smelling of alcohol was discovered within the truck. Based on these observations, Kester was arrested and charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated, booked into jail in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
The arrest report details a disturbing sequence of events, painting a picture of a judge allegedly driving under the influence and losing consciousness behind the wheel. The incident raises serious questions about judgment and responsibility.
Prior to her appointment to the district court in 2017, Kester had a long career in Iowa’s legal system. She served as an Assistant Public Defender, worked in private practice, and held positions as both an Assistant County Attorney and County Attorney.
This incident isn’t isolated. Just last month, a Georgia Superior Court Judge faced similar charges after allegedly backing into a truck in a parking lot. The case highlights a troubling pattern of impaired driving among those entrusted with upholding the law.
Kester has entered a plea of not guilty, and the legal process will now unfold. The incident has sent shockwaves through Iowa’s legal community, prompting reflection on the standards expected of those in positions of power.
The details of this case, from the frantic 911 calls to the bystander’s courageous intervention, serve as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of impaired driving and the potential for tragedy on our roadways.
