Crime & Safety

South Suburban DUI Arrests, June 16

What smells, has bloodshot eyes and lacks a good excuse? Find out in this week's roundup of DUI reports from the Southland.

Posted by Nick Swedberg

MOKENA

June 4: Linda L. Johnson, 51, of the 18100 block of Hummingbird Drive, Tinley Park, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, driving too fast for conditions/failing to reduce speed and driving without insurance, according to a report. Three cars were involved in a crash at about 9:30 p.m. on South LaGrange Road near I-80. 
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One driver told police he was struck from behind while waiting for a red light and was pushed into a car in front of him, according to the report. When speaking with Johnson, another driver, the police reported smelling a strong odor of alcohol on her breath. She also had bloodshot, glassy eyes and told officers that she doesn’t drink.

Police attempted to arrest Johnson after she took field sobriety tests, but she insisted on being taken to the hospital for treatment, according to the report. At the hospital, she allegedly refused to take a breath test. 

Johnson was treated for a broken arm at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox and released, at which time she was charged, according to the report. She was later released from police custody after posting bond.

FRANKFORT SQUARE (UNINCORPORATED WILL COUNTY)

May 22: William B. Blocker, 25, of the 2600 block of Rivendell Drive, New Lenox, was charged with driving under the influence, illegal transportation of alcohol and speeding in a construction zone, according to a report. He was arrested by Will County Sheriff's officers near the intersection of Route 30 and South Pfeiffer Road.

ORLAND PARK

May 30: Francisco J. Palafox, 27, of the 7400 block of 157th Street, Tinley Park, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, DUI with a blood-alcohol content greater than 0.08, driving without a valid license, driving without insurance and improper lane use, according to an Orland Park police report.

An officer saw a black GMC Jimmy SUV at about 3:41 a.m. driving 26mph in a 40mph zone in the 9100 block of 159th Street, according to the report. The SUV reportedly swerved and drifted in its lane.

Police stopped the SUV and spoke with Palafox, who reportedly had extremely bloodshot eyes, according to the report. Palafox allegedly told police he had several drinks and was on his way home.

Palafox performed field sobriety tests, after which he was arrested, the report states. While in police custody, he took a breath test for his blood-alcohol level.
Palafox is due on July 24 in Bridgeview court.

May 25: Paul A. Robinson, 27, of the 12600 block of 71st Court, Palos Heights, was charged with driving under the influence, driving without insurance, following too closely, failing to reduce speed to avoid a crash and failing to signal when required, according to a report. 

Police said they saw a black Volkswagen cutting in and out of traffic at about 11:50 p.m. in the 15500 block of LaGrange Road. It turned and drove over the concrete median, causing fluid to start leaking out of the car. The driver attempted to reverse the car's direction and nearly hit the cop car, after the officer had turned on his emergency lights and sounded his horn.

Robinson, the driver, allegedly had bloodshot eyes and slurred speech, according to the report. Robinson performed field sobriety tests, after which he was arrested and taken to the Orland Park Police Department for booking.

Robinson is due on July 1 in Bridgeview court.

PALOS HEIGHTS

June 2: Antonio Esparza, 22, of the 6800 block of West 127th Street, Palos Heights, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, DUI with a blood-alcohol level greater than 0.08 and speeding, according to a report. Police stopped Esparza's vehicle for speeding at about 2:11 a.m. near 12100 S. Harlem Ave. He allegedly showed signs that he had been drinking.

Esparza failed field sobriety tests, according to the report. He was arrested and taken to the Palos Heights Police Department for processing.

Bail was set at $1,000. Esparza is due on June 17 in Bridgeview court.

Police report information is provided by local police departments. Charges are not evidence of guilt. They are a record of police actions on a given day, and persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. If you or a family member are charged or cited and the case is subsequently adjudicated, we encourage you to notify the editor. We will verify and report the outcome.

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