Southbound Driver in Northbound Lane, With 2 Flat Tires, Arrested for Drugs
July 7th, 2022 by Joe Burgess
On Saturday, at approximately 1 PM, a driver was traveling on Highway 425, at 5 Mile Hill, when they called Monticello dispatch to report a reckless driver, also traveling south towards Monticello in a silver pick-up.
The caller reported the truck was, “all over the road, running multiple vehicles off the highway.“
Monticello officers responded to the area of Highway 425 N. and Allen Drive, where they observed a southbound silver Toyota Tundra, on the northbound side of Highway 425, driving on the curb and grass.
MPD officers attempted to stop the truck, which went around them, continuing to travel south in the northbound lane.
Another officer attempted to get the truck stopped, as well, but had to move his patrol unit out of the way, due to the truck not stopping, almost striking the patrol unit head-on.
One of the officers observed both driver side tires blown, possibly from when the truck struck the curb.
Officers followed the vehicle for approximately half a mile, before it finally stopped at the entrance to Circle Acres, near the HWY 425/Post Office red light. There it almost struck a white Toyota 4-Runner head-on.
As officers exited their vehicles, with weapons drawn, they gave the driver commands to get out his vehicle, multiple times. The driver never acknowledged their commands.
As they walked to the driver’s side of the Toyota, they could see the driver and advised him again to roll down the window, which he ignored.
Officers then opened the driver side door and got the driver out of the vehicle, taking him into custody.
When they opened the door to the truck, they immediately smelled the odor of what appeared to be marijuana, inside the vehicle.
The driver was later identified as William Burns, age 58 of Star City, who was taken into custody.
A search of the truck was performed, which found marijuana, among other items, such as a handgun, a long gun, a green plastic grinder, and several packs of rolling papers.
While searching the vehicle for marijuana, officers found a black bag which contained glucose testing strips for a diabetic patient.
The DTF drug recognition expert stated that he spoke to Mr. Burns, who did not appear to be under the influence of marijuana. Officers agreed that it appeared to be a medical issue.
MASI responded to the scene to treat Burns for low blood sugar, but he declined their efforts to take him to Drew Memorial, for medical treatment.
Barnes was transported to MPD, by officers, where he was issued citations and a family member came to transport him back to Star City.
Rod’s Wrecker removed the Toyota Tundra.
Burns faces multiple charges, including; 
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