Illinois semi driver arrested for DUI

Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Jeffery Cordle

An Illinois man was arrested Monday on three misdemeanor counts for allegedly operating a semi with a blood alcohol content more than three times the legal limit.

Shortly after 5 p.m., Indiana State Police Lt. Chris Wilson was working in the construction zone near the 27-mile marker in eastern Clay County when he spotted an eastbound tractor-trailer that appeared to be operating eratically.

Wilson stopped the 2014 Freightliner near the 33-mile marker.

The driver, identified as 39-year-old Jeffrey A. Cordle of Mapleton, Ill., smelled strongly of alcohol and displayed various signs of intoxication.

Trooper Ryan Purkiser arrived to assist and administered field sobriety tests, which the driver appeared to fail.

A blood test for intoxication at the Putnam County Hospital revealed the driver's BAC to be .29 percent.

Cordle was booked into the Putnam County Jail at 6:30 p.m. on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated-endangering, Class A misdemeanor; operating a vehicle while intoxicated with BAC .15 percent or greater, Class A misdemeanor; and operating a vehicle while intoxicated, Class C misdemeanor

The truck and trailer belonged to Cox Transfer Inc. of Eureka, Illinois.

"Any impaired driving is a danger to the motoring public," Public Information Officer Sgt. Joe Watts said. "In this particular case, the driver was operating an 80,000-pound commercial vehicle which greatly increases the chance for a deadly crash."

The Indiana State Police continue to have a zero tolerance policy concerning impaired driving and urge citizens to dial 911 to report suspected impaired and/or dangerous driving.

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  • I am so glad he was stopped before he could hurt, or kill, someone with his 80,000 pound truck. Well done, ISP!!!

    -- Posted by donantonioelsabio on Tue, Dec 10, 2013, at 4:03 PM
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