Woman denies charges

A Wilmot, Wis., woman pleaded not guilty Wednesday to felony DUI and aggravated battery charges involving an occurrence June 20 on Grass Lake Road in Lindenhurst. Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney George Pappas said a passer-by called Lindenhurst police around 7:10 p.m. to report a car parked in the middle of the eastbound lane of the road. Pappas said an officer found Brenda Rand, 46, passed out behind the wheel of the car and that Rand cursed the officer when he woke her up. Grayslake Fire and Rescue paramedics were called, Pappas said, and Rand spit on one paramedic who was trying to assist her. Tests performed later at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville showed Rand’s blood alcohol content was .255 percent, more than three times the legal definition of intoxication. Pappas said Rand’s driver’s license was also revoked at the time because of a previous DUI conviction. Pappas said Rand faces up to five years in prison if convicted. Circuit Judge John Phillips ordered Rand, who is free after posting $1,000 for bond, to appear in court Sept. 16.