Keokuk Man Arrested for OWI, Faces Weapon Charge

21-year-old Kolton Kellum accused of speeding, drunk driving, and illegal firearm possession

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A 21-year-old Keokuk man named Kolton Kellum was arrested early on the morning of February 12th after a Johnson County deputy pulled him over for allegedly speeding at 90 mph in a 70 mph zone. Kellum showed signs of intoxication, including bloodshot watery eyes, slurred speech, and a Datamaster reading of 0.153% blood alcohol content. Police also found a 9mm handgun within Kellum's reach in the center console of his Ford Ranger pickup truck.

Why it matters

This case highlights the dangers of drunk driving and the potential for tragic consequences when alcohol and firearms are combined. Impaired driving puts innocent lives at risk, while illegal firearm possession raises public safety concerns, especially in a state with relatively permissive gun laws.

The details

After the deputy pulled Kellum over for speeding, he reportedly exhibited signs of intoxication and failed field sobriety tests. The 9mm handgun found in Kellum's vehicle was within his reach, leading to an additional charge of Possession of Dangerous Weapons while Intoxicated.

  • The incident occurred just before 1am on February 12, 2026.

The players

Kolton Kellum

A 21-year-old resident of Keokuk, Iowa who was arrested for OWI and illegal firearm possession.

Johnson County deputy

The law enforcement officer who pulled Kellum over for speeding and subsequently arrested him.

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What’s next

If convicted on all charges, Kellum faces a possible prison sentence of up to three years.

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical need for strict enforcement of drunk driving and firearm laws to protect public safety, as well as the importance of responsible gun ownership and not combining alcohol and firearms.