Illinois man found with loaded weapon while allegedly driving drunk

Hunter
06/05/23

An Illinois man was arrested early Saturday after allegedly driving drunk with a loaded weapon in his vehicle.

Deputies pulled over a 2018 Ford Fusion just before 2am on northbound Highway 218 for reportedly going 89 miles an hour in a 65 miles an hour zone.  Upon contact, the driver, identified as 21-year-old Javon Foy-Watkins of Coal Valley, allegedly had bloodshot watery eyes, delayed movements, and the odor of ingested alcohol.  Foy-Watkins initially denied drinking, but subsequently admitted to having “2 shots” and another drink prior to driving.

The vehicle also had an odor of marijuana, and a probable cause search reportedly turned up a loaded handgun in the backseat floor area. Under Miranda, Foy-Watkins reportedly stated that the firearm was his, and that he had been driving drunk.

A PBT showed him over the legal limit to drive, and a Datamaster showed his blood-alcohol level at .171 percent.

Foy-Watkins was arrested and charged with OWI first offense and possession of Dangerous Weapons while Intoxicated. If convicted on both counts, he could be sentenced to up to two years in jail.