SHEBOYGAN, WI (WHBL) - When a person is charged for operating a vehicle while intoxicated, it typically means the person consumed some sort of alcohol before getting behind the wheel. There is also the chance a person could be inhibited due to the use of prescription pills or medication, which could also lead to this charge.
The latter reportedly happened on December 15, leading Sheboygan County prosecutors to charge 37 year old Jason Des Jardins with his fifth OWI and second revocation charges.
The criminal complaint against him details what Sheboygan Police found when they responded to a two vehicle accident at the intersection of Eighth Street and Riverfront Drive. Police found a Volkswagen with extensive rear-end damage, and an Infiniti SUV with its front bumper on the road as well as other front-end damage.
An officer talked to the driver of the Infiniti, identified as Des Jardins, regarding what happened. Des Jardins said he hit the other vehicle after that vehicle switched lanes and stopped suddenly in front of him.
The officer claims he noticed Des Jardins had glazed eyes and slurred speech, prompting him to ask if he had any alcohol recently. Des Jardins denied this. He did add he takes Zolptem for a sleep condition, and was trying to make his way to a pharmacy to fill his prescription.
Des Jardins was taken to St. Nicholas Hospital after he complained of neck and lower back pain. Before the officer went along he talked to Des Jardins’ wife who arrived at the scene. She informed the officer that her husband does take Zolptem, but also was taking Xanax to help with PTSD he suffers from after serving time in the military.
At the hospital, the officer performed field sobriety tests on Des Jardins, such as following a pen with one’s eyes and reciting certain parts of the alphabet and number orders. Based on those results, the officer determined Des Jardins was under the influence.
As Des Jardins was checked out by medical staff, the officer noticed a pill bottle and several pills that were Alprazolam, better known as Xanax. The officer reportedly had to prevent Des Jardins from taking a few of the pills at the hospital before he was released after medical personnel determined he was uninjured.
Des Jardins now faces over six year in prison if found guilty.