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BUCKHANNON – An Upshur County man faces a DUI charge after allegedly crashing into a residence and taking out a utility pole.
Michael Paul Wilkins, 49, is charged with one count of driving under the influence of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor. He is currently being held at the Tygart Valley Regional Jail on a $1,500 surety/cash bond.
According to the criminal complaint filed by Patrolman Dylan Ray Major with the Buckhannon City Police Department, on Sept. 25, Major and Patrolman First Class J. Warner responded to a residence on Marion Street in Buckhannon in reference to a vehicle accident.
Upon arrival, Major observed a white KIA Sorento that was wrecked into a residence on Marion Street, the complaint states. He also observed that the vehicle had hit a utility pole as well. When Major asked a bystander where the driver of the vehicle was, the bystander pointed to a man who was “wandering all over the place.” Major made contact with the man, who was identified as Wilkins.
While speaking to Wilkins, Major allegedly observed him to be “disoriented, confused, slightly irate and lost/all over the place,” the complaint states. Wilkins reportedly consented to performing the Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) tests. As Major checked Wilkins’ eyes to see how they’d react to light, Major allegedly observed that Wilkins’ pupils were “extremely constricted.” Wilkins allegedly had eyelid and body tremors as well. During Major’s ARIDE observations, Wilkins reportedly showed multiple signs of impairment.
When Major asked Wilkins when was the last time he used a controlled substance, Wilkins allegedly advised that he did not use substances, the complaint states. Wilkins then reportedly consented to a blood draw and was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital. Once at the hospital, and after Major read Wilkins his Miranda Rights, Wilkins allegedly confessed to having used methamphetamine.
On Saturday, Sept. 26, the Buckhannon City Police Department released a social media post regarding the event. The department stated that there were no serious injuries sustained in this incident, and all involved were assessed and evaluated by Upshur County EMS along with the Buckhannon Fire Department.
“This is just a reminder to please drive sober and if something happens inside your vehicle please pull over to a safe place and handle your situation off of the roadway,” the Buckhannon City Police Department post said. “Thank you to Upshur County EMS, Buckhannon Fire Department, the Upshur County Communications Center, Upshur County Sheriff’s Office, West Virginia State Police and any bystanders who assisted in this incident!”