Man Fell Asleep Behind Wheel, Joliet Fire Department Wakes Him Up: JPD

JOLIET — A 30-year-old Minooka resident named Jony Perez, who has previous convictions for drunken driving, has been arrested again, according to Joliet police. This time, Jony Perez fell asleep at the steering wheel, and he was in such a deep sleep that the Joliet Fire Department were called to the scene to try to wake him up, according to arrest reports.

The Joliet Fire Department's efforts to wake Perez had mixed results, according to the Joliet police arrest narrative. Perez was ultimately taken into custody and released on a notice to appear in court on charges of aggravated DUI and aggravated driving while license revoked.

According to Joliet police spokesman Dwayne English, at 3:55 a.m. Sunday, officers responded to Houbolt Road and Mound Road for a report of a driver that appeared to be asleep at the wheel of a running vehicle stopped at the stoplight.

Upon arrival, the officers learned that Joliet Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene and tried to wake the driver. The driver became startled and took his foot off the brake, causing the vehicle to travel southbound into the northbound lanes of Houbolt Road, English said.

The vehicle came to a stop after striking a street sign. Officers identified the driver as Perez, who refused medical assistance.

According to police, Perez demonstrated behaviors consistent with possible alcohol impairment, and he was placed into custody without incident after refusing to complete field sobriety tests.

Officers determined that Perez’ driver’s license was revoked for a past DUI. Perez was also cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, driving on the wrong side of the road, and improper lane usage.