Too Much Jack Daniel's For Channahon Drunk Driver: Forfeiture

CHANNAHON, IL — A 65-year-old Channahon resident arrested Sept. 13 on repeat drunken driving charges now faces the prospect of having to part ways with his 2017 Ford Explorer. The Will County State's Attorney's Office of Jim Glasgow has filed a civil forfeiture complaint against Jeffrey Couch.

Illinois State Police charged Couch with aggravated driving under the influence, and Couch has two prior DUI charges, court records show.

According to the forfeiture complaint, a state trooper responded to a vehicle that veered into the ditch along Interstate 80, west of Houbolt Road in Joliet, during the late night hours of Sept. 13.

At the scene, Couch identified himself as the driver.

"Couch stated that he had lost control of the vehicle and drove off the roadway," the complaint states. "Trooper Curry detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from his breath, and he had glassy eyes. Couch admitted drinking beer and having shots of Jack Daniel's."

Couch, who lives on South Bridle Path Townhouse, agreed to perform several field sobriety tests and he failed them all, court records show. Couch provided a preliminary breath sample at the scene, and he blew 0.187, which was more than twice the legal limit to be drunk, the forfeiture noted.

Couch was hauled away in handcuffs and during a subsequent test at the District 5 police headquarters, Couch provided a breath sample that registered a BAC of 0.177, again, more than twice the legal limit, court files state.

Should the Channahon resident lose his 2017 Ford Explorer? A Will County judge will hear arguments from the prosecutors at 9 a.m. on Nov. 4.

Meanwhile, Couch remains free after posting 10 percent of his $15,000 bail on Sept. 15, jail logs show.