Man fished out of Fox River cited for intoxication

A homeless man was cited for public intoxication Saturday evening after Elgin police and fire officials pulled him from the Fox River with the help of a local boater.

Donald R. Ledbetter, 39, was seen floating in the river about 6:30 p.m. Saturday south of National Street in Elgin, according to police reports. Shane Myers, who was in a boat on the river at the time, saw Ledbetter and pulled him out of the water, reports said.

When the Elgin Fire Department arrived, rescue teams treated Ledbetter, who was described as “highly intoxicated” and “barely responsive,” according to the report.

He was transported to Provena St. Joseph Hospital in Elgin and, according to Fire Capt. Robb Cagann, did not appear to be injured.

Police issued a citation on a city ordinance prohibiting public intoxication.