Meth-Using Moped Driver Fled Joliet Police: Warrant

JOLIET, IL — A 51-year-old man who lives on Arthur Avenue is wanted by Joliet police after prosecutors say he fled a traffic stop on his Honda moped while under the influence of meth. Will County prosecutors have charged Frank Barefield with two counts of aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer, aggravated driving under the influence, two counts of driving under the influence and one count of driving while license revoked.

The criminal complaint states that Barefield was driving the Honda moped on Joliet's busy Collins Street last Sept. 28 while "under the influence of any other drug or combination of drugs to a degree that rendered the defendant incapable of safely driving."

Prosecutors say Barefield blew through at least two traffic lights while Joliet police cars were trying to pull him over late last September, and he was driving more than 21 mph over the speed limit at the time and under the influence of methamphetamine.

Additionally, Barefield does not have a driver's license or a permit for restrictive driving, the criminal complaint stated.

Will County Judge Fred Harvey set bail at $50,000 and issued a warrant for Joliet police to arrest Barefield, a resident of the 2100 block of Arthur Avenue, which is part of Lockport.

As of April 21, Barefield had not been taken into custody by Joliet police.