Crime & Safety

Sheriff's Blotter: Coyote Hunter Charged with DUI on ATV

John F. Ardaugh, 67, of Joliet, was injured after his ATV ran off the road near Gougar Road and Illinois Highway.

A man who said he was looking for coyotes on his ATV in New Lenox was charged with drunken driving after his vehicle flipped off the road.

John F. Ardaugh, 67, of Joliet, told police he had been drinking on Wednesday, Feb. 23, before he got on his all-terrain vehicle to go look for coyotes in the area by his house, near Gougar Road and West Illinois Highway in Joliet.

Sheriff's Department spokeswoman Kathy Hoffmeyer said Ardaugh was driving eastbound along the edge of Illinois Highway, with some tires on the pavement and others on the gravel shoulder, when he lost control and the ATV went off the road.

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Ardaugh had a cut to the back of his head and was rushed to Silver Cross Hospital in Joliet. After the injuries were determined to be non-life threatening, he was transferred to Loyola University Hospital.

Hoffmeyer said Ardaugh had a .175 blood alcohol content, according to blood tests done at the hospital. He was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol over the legal limit, operating his ATV on the roadway and driving with a revoked license.

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Ardaugh was released after paying a $3,000 bond. He has a March 22 court date.


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