Wrong-way driver on U.S. Highway 65 cited for DWI

The fact that he was driving north in the southbound lanes of U.S. Highway 65 brought William D. Hughes of Lebanon to the attention of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. His actions after that helped ensure he won't soon be forgotten.

MSHP trooper J.C. Flanigan responded to the Marshall Junction area Tuesday and saw Hughes' pickup, which continued north for about half a mile after Flanigan activated his emergency lights and sirens.

According to Flanigan's report, Hughes nearly fell as he exited his truck and did fall as he walked to the trooper's patrol car. After refusing to perform several sobriety tests, Hughes was asked to recite the alphabet from A to M.

Flanigan's report states Hughes responded by saying "Q, R, S and kiss my (expletive)." Hughes reportedly became combative and insulting following his arrest, calling Flanigan a "poor Irishman that could not swim."

Don Stouffer, Saline County prosecuting attorney, filed information Wednesday charging Hughes with class B misdemeanor driving while intoxicated.

Contact Chris Post at

marshallhealth@socket.net