Local Police Reports

Man Charged with DUI Asks Officer to Wait While He Checks Phone Messages: Police


Park Forest, IL–(ENEWSPF)– A Crete man who was pulled over by an officer on Saturday, March 27, told the officer he would be with him as soon as he finished checking his phone messages, according to police.

Vonzell S. Simmons, 35, 1349 Parliament St., Crete, was arrested on March 27 and charged with driving under the influence, and issued citations charging speeding, expired registration, and failure to notify the Secretary of State of a change of CDL address. Simmons was also charged with endangering the life of a child.

According to police, Commander Brian Tas was on patrol in the area of Sauk Trail and Shabbona Drive when he observed the vehicle Simmons was driving passed his squad car in the rain. Commander Tas followed the vehicle and, while using radar and pacing the vehicle, clocked that the vehicle’s speed was 49 in a 35 mph zone, according to police. Upon approaching the vehicle, Commander Tas immediately detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage on Simmons’ breath, according to police. The officer also observed a young child in the front passenger seat of the vehicle. Commander Tas related in his report that he observed that Simmons was using his telephone.

According to Commander Tas, Simmons told him he was checking his phone messages and would be with Commander Tas in a second.

Simmons was asked to put away the phone and exit the vehicle to perform a series of field sobriety tests, according to police. Commander Tas related in his report that he had to repeat instructions several times during the course of the tests, which included a finger-to-nose test and a walking test, according to police. Simmons touched the tip of his nose in only one of six attempts, according to police.

Related: Park Forest Police Reports for April 5, 2010


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