A Missouri man is facing felony drunk driving charges and had his bond set at $150,000 following an arrested on Monday.
Knox County Circuit Court records indicate that 63-year-old Mark B. Kimble of Columbia Missouri faces several misdemeanor charges, and two counts of a Class 1 Felony of aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol.
Kimble made a video appearance in court with Judge Raymond Cavanugh. A public defender was appointed to represent him in the case.
According to police reports, at around 10:30 p.m. on Monday officers were notified of a driving complaint in the area of Monmouth Boulevard and Linwood Road. Officers located the suspected van traveling north on Linwood.
As the vehicle approached the railroad crossing, which was blocked by a train, it allegedly swerved to the west over the median and then turned east onto an access road. It traveled east for about 30-40 feet, passing a “Do Not Enter” sign and then allegedly turned into a grassy field where it traveled another 30 yards.
Officers were able to make contact with the driver, Kimble, and get him to come to a stop. Officers noted that the vehicle allegedly showed signs of damage. The passenger side mirror had been broken and was hanging from the vehicle, and there was fresh silver or white paint transfer on the passenger side quarter panel. Officers also note there was a black rubber textured transfer as well.
Kimble allegedly had difficulty getting out of the vehicle. Reports indicate Kimble was having trouble rolling down his window, and had difficulty standing on his own once he stepped out of the van – holding or leaning on to the side of the vehicle.
Kimble was described in the police reports as looking “disheveled”. Allegedly his hair was unkempt, there was food in his beard, his clothes were dirty and his pants were unzipped. Officers observed a bottle of vodka in the passengers seat of the van. Officers also noted that his eyes were glassy and his responses were slow and “thick tongued”.
He allegedly did not believe he was driving in a grass field. When asked how much alcohol he had consumed in the evening, Kimble allegedly responded with “a lot.”
Officers attempted to have Kimble do a field sobriety test, but were concerned over his inability to stand on his own. He was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and transported to the Public Safety Building for observation.
Reports indicate that Kimble had his license revoked in Missouri for driving a prior driving under the influence conviction. When he did provide a breathalyzer test, he blew a .249 .
Additionally he was also found to have $10,000 in an envelope – which he claimed was his life savings from working as a farmer.
