Illinois man arrested for OWI after suspicious vehicle found near cemetery entrance

A 42-year-old Illinois man was arrested early Monday morning after police found him in a suspicious vehicle with a blood alcohol level nearly four times the legal limit.

According to the Plymouth Police Department, Officer Ayala responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle at 12:05 a.m. on Monday, May 4th. The vehicle was located at the entrance to the cemetery on State Road 17, near the Plymouth Hospital.

Upon making contact with the driver, identified as Michael Tripp of Indian Head Park, Illinois, Officer Ayala initiated a DUI investigation. Tripp was subsequently transported to Plymouth Hospital.

At the hospital, an OWI search warrant affidavit and order were drafted and approved by the Honorable Judge Tami Napier of Marshall County Superior Court I. A certified blood draw was conducted, which determined that Tripp's blood alcohol concentration was almost four times the legal limit.

Tripp was transported to the Marshall County Jail and booked on preliminary charges of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated with a BAC of .15% or higher, possession of marijuana, and possession of paraphernalia. He was held on a $1,500 cash bond.

Readers are reminded that charging information supported by an affidavit of probable cause is a mere allegation that a crime has been committed and that there is only probable cause to believe a crime has been committed. They are presumed innocent throughout the proceedings and are entitled to be represented by counsel and entitled to a trial by jury at which the State is obligated to provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt before a judgment of guilt may be made.