Crime & Safety
Drunken Driver 'Knows Mayor Ben Dietz,' Wilmington Policeman Told: Forfeiture Complaint
Will County's State's Attorney Office has filed a forfeiture complaint in hopes of seizing the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu of this Wilmington man.
WILMINGTON, IL — This week, the Will County State's Attorney's Office has filed another civil forfeiture case, asking that one of the judges declares the impounded 2017 Chevrolet Malibu belonging to a Wilmington motorist a seized asset for the police.
According to the complaint, Douglas Foster has been charged with aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. On July 11, Officer Jasnosz of the Wilmington police was patrolling Water and Van Buren Streets when he entered someone's license plate into the police's LEADS database system. The officer learned the registration was expired and suspended for non-insurance.
When the Malibu turned eastbound on Van Buren, the driver disobeyed the stop sign at Van Buren and Kankakee Streets, the complaint outlined. The Malibu continued east to North Joliet Street and turned southbound. That's when the officer turned on his emergency lights for a traffic stop.
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When the officer approached the driver, Foster had trouble rolling down his window by missing the switch. Foster also had bloodshot and glassy eyes and slurred speech, the court records indicate.
"Douglas Foster was not able to provide proof of valid insurance. Officer Jasnosz asked Douglas how much he had to drink tonight, and Douglas stated he had a few," court files reflect. "Douglas Foster stated he knew Mayor Ben Dietz and asked if it was OK to park his Malibu and walk home."
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Foster agreed to undergo field sobriety tests and "Officer Jasnosz observed multiple clues," the forfeiture revealed. "Officer Jasnosz placed Douglas Foster under arrest for driving under the influence." The vehicle was then towed away.
At Wilmington's police station, Foster refused to undergo chemical testing. He was later released on a notice to appear in Will County court for the DUI and operating an uninsured vehicle charge.
A court hearing on the Chevy Malibu forfeiture complaint is set for Sept. 17. Foster comes from the 31600 block of Wilmington's South 216th Avenue.
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