Ex-Gurnee mayor to fight DUI charge

Former Gurnee mayor Richard Welton intends to fight the village's police in court, contending he was improperly arrested on charges of drunken driving this month.

Lake County circuit court documents show Welton, 66, was involved in a traffic crash in Gurnee about 5:45 p.m. Dec. 8. Reports state he was driving a 2000 Toyota Camry north on Route 21 at Adele Drive, near his Garnet Court home, when the incident occurred.

Welton, who was mayor of Gurnee for almost three decades ending in 2001, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, according to court papers.

Gurnee police accuse Welton of having a blood-alcohol content of .083, above the state's .08 legal limit.

But Welton and his attorney say his blood-alcohol content was below the legal limit, and plan to ask a judge to rescind an automatic three-month driver's license suspension at a circuit court hearing set for Jan. 12.

In court papers filed by his lawyer Dec. 22, Welton states he was not properly arrested by Officer Kevin Schreiner as defined by Illinois vehicle code. He said he submitted to the blood-alcohol test, but a sample did not indicate his level was at .08 or greater.

Welton's attorney, Douglas Zeit, said it was icy and snowy when Welton's Toyota slid into another vehicle. Zeit said Welton, who couldn't be reached for comment, was shaken up after the collision.

"It is our belief he was not under the influence of alcohol," Zeit said Monday. "We are not picking any bones with the Gurnee Police Department."

Police accuse Welton of having a moderate alcoholic beverage odor on his breath and claim he almost fell down "several times." Welton had glassy and bloodshot eyes and admitted drinking a glass of wine, according to Schreiner's police report.

Gurnee police Cmdr. Jay Patrick said Welton struck a Jeep Cherokee. He said the Jeep driver's wife complained of a sore shoulder but declined medical attention.

Patrick said Schreiner was aware he arrested the former longtime mayor.

"I'm sure it was a difficult situation," Patrick said. "Obviously, we have a job to do and we do it."

Welton remains involved in the public sector as one of 13 appointed members on the Pace suburban bus line's board of directors. Welton's 28-year reign as Gurnee's mayor ended when Donald Rudny defeated him in 2001.

Welton is Lake County's representative on the Pace board until June 30, 2010. The Lake County Board chairman appoints a Pace representative every four years.

Gurnee experienced significant retail and residential growth under Welton's leadership. Six Flags Great America and Gurnee Mills were built during his mayoral tenure.