Man Charged With DWI In Crash

A Maries County man has been charged with driving while intoxicated and fourth-degree assault after a Feb. 1 crash on Highway C in Bourbon.

Johnny L. Bernal, of Bland, struck a telephone pole near Burnett Road around 9:35 p.m.

Bernal was located unconscious approximately 20 yards from the scene. The highway patrol said he carried an odor of intoxicants and his eyes were bloodshot and watery.

Bernal allegedly agreed to a horizontal gaze test, but quit on the first try. He refused to submit to a breath test and allegedly grabbed the instrument from the trooper. 

Bernal was transported to Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital where he refused a blood test and allegedly struck a trooper in the face. 

Bernal was convicted for driving while intoxicated in August 2004 and June 2011.