Firehouse.com

--

Oct. 27--SAUGET -- Fire Chief Roger Thornton was charged with DUI after he crashed a village-owned sport utility vehicle into a concrete pole, according to an arrest citation.

According to the citation, Thornton, 48, was arrested by Cahokia police for drunken driving after his village-owned 2002 GMC Yukon struck a concrete pole in front of the Cahokia Flower Basket at 3700 Falling Springs Road on Oct. 18 at 5:15 p.m.

Thornton was released after posting $100 bond. He did not respond to a request for comment left at the Fire Department, and has an unlisted home telephone number.

Thornton exercised his legal option to refuse to take a police blood alcohol test, according to the "Law Enforcement Sworn Report." In a portion of the report where the arresting officer must state why he arrested the defendant, an officer wrote, "Accident, slurred speech, glassy eyes."

Under state law, because of Thornton's refusal to take the test his right to drive will be automatically suspended 45 days after the arrest for 12 months unless at a circuit court hearing, a judge rules that police violated his constitutional rights when they arrested him. Thornton is likely to be eligible for a judicial driving permit that would allow him to drive to work and to seek medical treatment.

Thornton has no prior arrests for DUI. His only convictions in St. Clair County were two for minor traffic citations more than 20 years ago.

Sauget Police Chief Terry Delaney said no one was injured in the accident and that damage to the concrete pole was minimal. As for the Yukon, Mayor Rich Sauget Jr. said Monday village leaders have not yet decided or officially discussed whether it will be repaired with taxpayer funds.

Sauget said he did not think the village will use insurance to pay for the repair of the Yukon. He said requiring Thornton to pay the repair bill, "Has not been discussed," but could come up at a village board meeting.

Thornton's mother Juanita Thornton, is a member of the village board. Sauget said that whether she votes on any issue regarding the vehicle's repair is, "Up to her." Juanita Thornton could not be reached for comment.

"The chief is a good man," Sauget said, "He's served the community for years."

Thornton's first court appearance on the DUI is set for 1:30 p.m. Nov. 30 in St. Clair County Court.

Contact reporter George Pawlaczyk at gpawlaczyk@bnd.com or 239-2625.