A 23-year-old Dittmer man was arrested for suspicion of driving while intoxicated following a one-car crash on eastbound I-44 near mile marker 263 in Eureka. The accident happened about 3:30 a.m. July 31, Eureka Police reported.
The man was driving a 2020 Ford Fusion on the interstate, where it ran off the left side of the road, hit the median and stopped in a lane facing southeast. When an officer arrived, the man was walking away from the accident towards Six Flags Road, the report said.
The officer attempted to get the man’s attention. However, he reportedly kept walking away from the accident. When the officer caught up with the driver, he noticed the man appeared intoxicated, according to the report.
When the suspect, whose driving privileges had been revoked, was asked if he had been involved in the accident, he reportedly said, ‘Hit in the (rear) by it,’ while pointing to the Fusion. After the man allegedly tried to walk away from the officer, he was arrested, the report said.
While the suspect was in the police vehicle, he allegedly spit and complained about pains in his head and legs. Eureka Fire Protection District personnel were called to check on the man’s condition, but he refused medical treatment, according to the report.
The man was taken to the Police Station, where he screamed that he should be released and again complained about having pains in head and legs. Eureka Fire was called to transport the man to SSM Health St. Clare Hospital in Fenton, police reported.
However, on the way to the hospital, the man allegedly tried to jump out of the ambulance and made suicidal statements. The man was restrained in the ambulance and was taken to the hospital, the report said.
Eureka Police will seek charges against the man through the Eureka Municipal Court for DWI and driving with a revoked license, Capt. David Wilson said.
The Fusion had heavy front-end damage and was towed from the scene, the report said.