Details Released in West Plains Drunk Driving Arrest

Daniel French, 36, of West Plains, was arrested on February 25 after causing a crash that hospitalized two people. New details have become available since Matthew Weatherman, Assistant Howell County Prosecuting Attorney, filed formal charges against French. 

 

According to a probable cause statement submitted by Corporal Brandon Stephens, of the West Plains Police Department, officers determined French’s vehicle caused a crash as it traveled northbound on Highway 63 and then attempted a left turn onto State Route CC despite the traffic signal showing a red turn arrow. 

 

French’s vehicle collided with the victims’ vehicle and caused it to skid sideways into the stop light pole. One 64-year-old female occupant was ejected from the car. The 69-year-old male victim had to be extracted from the vehicle. Police reported both victims were in critical condition. 

 

Police located French in front of his vehicle where he was trying to catch his dog. Corporal Stephens observed French to have bloodshot, glassy eyes. He smelled strongly of intoxicants, according to court documents, and could not maintain his balance when walking. A breath test administered later showed French had a blood-alcohol level of .264, more than three times the legal limit. 

 

Initially placed on a 24-hour hold, French was formally charged on February 26 with one felony count of driving while intoxicated, persistent offender, and two counts of second degree assault. The suspect was previously convicted on DWI charges in January 2011. French was served with his arrest warrant while in Howell County Jail, where he remained until his initial appearance before Judge R. David Ray. 

 

He pled not guilty. The court denied his request for a bond change, and set a bond hearing for March 9.