Drunken Driver Veers Off Henderson Avenue, Nearly Hits Building: Joliet Police

JOLIET, IL — A 24-year-old Joliet motorist who lost control of his car and nearly crashed into an east side building now finds himself facing a lot of criminal charges, thanks to his arrest by Joliet police over the weekend.

Joliet police announced that Rudy Sis Lem was arrested and released on a Notice to Appear for the charge of Aggravated Driving Under the Influence, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving Under the Influence Over the Legal Limit (BAC – 0.08 or more).

He was also cited for operating a vehicle without a valid driver's license, driving an uninsured motor vehicle, driving off the roadway, and failing to wear a seatbelt.

According to police spokesman Tizoc Landeros, at about 5:30 a.m. Sunday, officers were dispatched to the 300 block of Henderson Avenue for a Nissan that veered off the roadway and came to rest next to a building. The driver, Rudy E. Sis Lem, was found unconscious in the driver’s seat.

Upon approaching the vehicle, officers noted that it was running and in reverse gear. Sis Lem remained unresponsive, and they observed what appeared to be vomit on his face, Landeros noted.

When asked to exit the vehicle, Sis Lem struggled to maintain his balance, police said. He told the officer that he had consumed several beers. His behavior and the odor emanating from him were consistent with possible alcohol impairment, Landeros said.

Sis Lem consented to perform field sobriety tests and the results of the tests indicated that he was unfit to drive, according to Landeros. He was taken into custody for driving under the influence.

Upon arrival at the Joliet Police booking area, Sis Lem was asked to undergo a breathalyzer test, to which police said he consented. The results of the breathalyzer test indicated that he had a blood alcohol content reading exceeding the legal limit of 0.08, the arrest reports show.

Sis Lem was processed and subsequently released on a notice to appear without incident. The Nissan was towed from the scene. He was unable to provide proof of insurance and possessed an Illinois Temporary Driver’s License, the police agency noted.