WMAQ-Ch. 5 sportscaster Mike Adamle “vigorously disputes” being under the influence of alcohol or other illegal substances when Evanston police arrested and charged him last week with driving under the influence, his attorney said this week.
In a prepared statement, Adamle’s lawyer, Dean Dickie, said his client “fully cooperated with the police officers, demonstrated his sobriety, passed the breathalyzer test, and intends to defend the charges.”
Adamle was pulled over early Jan. 10 in Evanston after allegedly disobeying a red-flashing traffic signal at Main and Sheridan, according to police. Police chief Richard Eddington has confirmed that Adamle’s blood alcohol level was 0.04 percent — below the 0.08 percent legal limit.
Police said Adamle, a former Chicago Bear and Northwestern University All-American, failed a field sobriety test, and displayed “erratic behavior” when taken to the police station.
Yet Adamle’s attorney defended his client’s innocence and reiterated that Adamle was “at no time” impaired or “unable to operate an automobile in a safe, lawful manner.”
Eddington said that it’s possible to bring DUI charges against someone whose blood alcohol level is below the legal limit, but that the absence of a BAC higher than 0.08 percent makes proving the charge more difficult.
According to a 2009 Tribune column, Adamle has epilepsy. Dickie said he was unable to speak about Adamle’s medical condition, but said there was nothing that impaired Adamle’s ability to operate a motor vehicle.
Eddington said he was unaware of any medication Adamle was taking for epilepsy, but said results from a pending drug screening would show the presence of all types of drugs, including prescription medication.
According to Dr. Jesse Taber, attending neurologist at NorthShore University HealthSystem Evanston Hospital, several common epilepsy medications could impair a person’s motor skills or driving ability when taken on their own.
Some of the side effects of too much seizure medicine in the body are similar to some of the same side effects of drinking too much alcohol, Taber said, and could include lack of coordination, lack of balance or slurred speech.
Adamle is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 14 in Skokie.
