In Evanston, Illinois, a seemingly ordinary afternoon took a dramatic turn as police officers responded to a call about a man asleep at the wheel of his silver BMW. The incident, which unfolded just before 3:30 p.m., quickly escalated into a DUI arrest after the driver, identified as James Collins, confessed to consuming 11 alcoholic drinks.
Body camera footage released by the Evanston Police Department reveals the concerning state of Collins’ condition. As officers approach the vehicle, his speech is noticeably slurred, his eyes appear glassy, and he struggles to maintain his balance.
Upon questioning, Collins initially denies having consumed any alcohol that day. However, his inconsistent responses, difficulty recalling his address, and inability to locate his keys raise red flags for the officers.
Evanston police officer questioning a man in a silver BMW
The situation takes a pivotal turn when, after approximately 10 minutes of interaction with the officer, Collins makes a startling admission. “What did you drink today?” the officer asks, to which Collins replies, “I had 11 uh drinks.”
This confession proves crucial for the officer, providing sufficient grounds to suspect Collins of driving under the influence. Despite his initial reluctance, Collins eventually admits to having a previous DUI conviction in 2018.
The officers proceed to conduct field sobriety tests, during which Collins continues to exhibit signs of impairment. He struggles to follow instructions, maintain his balance, and recall details of his military service, which he repeatedly references.
Man in a white shirt standing in front of a police car
After several attempts to administer a preliminary breath test are met with errors, a breathalyzer from another officer’s vehicle finally produces a result. The reading indicates a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .343, more than four times the legal limit of .08 in Illinois.
Medical experts emphasize the severe dangers associated with such an elevated BAC. At this level, individuals may experience a slowed heart rate, slip into a coma, or even face fatal consequences.
Collins is promptly arrested for DUI, read his rights, and transported to the police station in the officer’s squad car. His vehicle is left at the scene, with the officer assuring him they will return for it later.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of responsible alcohol consumption and the potentially life-altering consequences of driving under the influence.
