Crime & Safety

Driver Who Needed to Sneeze Charged with DUI, Drug Possession

Oak Forest cops guided the driver of a PT Cruiser to a stop on Aug. 30, police said. She was later charged after an officer allegedly found a substance that tested positive for heroin in her purse.

Cops trying to pull over a PT Cruiser watched as the driver repeatedly nodded off behind the wheel.

Joanne O'Marrah, 61, of the 13500 block of Kristoffer, Orland Park, was accused of drunken driving and possessing heroin on Aug. 30, police said.

An officer was called at about 4:29 p.m. to the area of 159th Street and Cicero Avenue for a report of a driver who might be intoxicated, according to an Oak Forest police report. The caller pointed to a black PT Cruiser and cops followed the swerving car for several blocks.


The officer turned on the lights and sirens and pulled up next to the car, the report states. The driver, O'Marrah, continued westbound on 159th, slowing to 25 mph in a 45 mph zone. O'Marrah appeared to be repeatedly falling asleep at the wheel.

Cops in two cars eventually boxed in the PT Cruiser and brought it to a stop, the report states.

Police said O'Marrah acted confused, gave incoherent answers to questions and had a strong odor of alcohol on her breath. She told police she needed to sneeze and rubbed her nose frequently while speaking.

One officer noticed a white powder substance on the driver's nose, the report states. A clear, pint-sized vodka bottle could be seen next to the seat.

O'Marrah fell on the grass during a test for sobriety, the report states. She was unable to finish the remaining tests.

Police called an ambulance to take O'Marrah to Palos Community Hospital, the report states. While she was being transported, police searched her purse and allegedly found three foil packets filled with a white powder that tested positive for heroin.

O'Marrah was charged with possession of a controlled substance, driving under the influence, illegally transporting alcohol, failing to stop for an emergency vehicle and improper lane use, the report states.

Police blotter information is provided by the Oak Forest Police Department. Charges are not evidence of guilt. They are a record of police actions taken on a given day, and persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. If you or a family member are charged or cited and the case is subsequently adjudicated, we encourage you to notify the editor. We will verify and report the outcome.


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