Man Drives Car Into Snow Bank, Arrested for DUI

DUI 

Thomas Schmitz, 45, of Deerfield was arrested Feb. 27 for driving under the influence of alcohol and damage to private property, according to Deerfield Police reports. 

After receiving a call about an automobile crash in the vicinity of 800 Deerfield Road, police discovered Schmitz in a car in a snow bank with the engine running in drive. The car also hit a do not enter sign, according to the report. He was holding an open bottle of vodka that was one quarter empty. 

Once police found Schmitz in the car, they put the vehicle in park, turned off the ignition and smelled a strong odor of alcohol coming from Schmitz, according to the report. Schmitz was unsteady on his feet and a field sobriety test was not administered. He refused a breath test. He was released on bond and will appear in Lake County Court at 9 a.m. March 20 in Waukegan. 

Possession of Drug Equipment 

Eric Hernandez, 18, of Deerfield was arrested Feb. 25 for possession of drug equipment, according to Deerfield Police reports. 

After leaving Deerfield High School without permission, the complaining witness observed Hernandez returning. The witness “followed protocol and searched (Hernandez’s) vehicle,” according to the report. Five small water pipes with cannabis residue were found. Hernandez was released on bond and will appear in Lake County Court at 3 p.m. March 19 in Park City. 

Retail Theft 

Jacob Nierenberg, 23, of Chicago was arrested recently for retail theft for taking approximately $75 worth of merchandise from Whole Foods, according to Deerfield Police reports. 

According to the report, a loss prevention officer at the store observed Nierenberg hide items in his jacket and leave the store without paying. He admitted the action to police. He was released on bond and will appear in Lake County Court at 1:30 p.m. March 19 in Park City. 

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