Norristown Man has Diabetic Episode Behind the Wheel

According to a report from the Norristown Police Department, officers responded to a report of a reckless driver in the area of Willow and East Spruce streets on Monday, Feb. 20 at approximately 11:30 a.m. On the scene, the officers discovered a 1998 Honda Civic disabled in the middle of the interestection at Willow and East Elm streets.

A witness reportedly told police the vehicle had run a stop sign and drove up onto a curb. The vehicle stopped in middle the intersection with a flat tire and leaking fluid into the road way.

According to police, the driver, 43-year-old James Myers, of Norristown, was acting "in a strange manner," reportedly unable to follow simple instructions or answer questions and had to be removed from the vehicle. Officers suspected him of being under the influence and placed him in custody until he could be transported to Montgomery Hospital.

At the hospital, it was discovered that Myers is diabetic and his blood sugar level was 25, indicative of severe hypoglycemia, or diabetic shock. According to WebMD.com, normal blood sugar levels are between 70 and 125. Myers reportedly told authorities he hadn't eaten anything that morning, and police believe that to be the cause of his unexplained behavior and not alcohol or narcotics.

Myers' vehicle was towed, and he reportedly received a citation for driving with a suspended license.