Clipper Nation
05-26-2017, 08:31 AM
Mark Wicklund, a former Macon County Board member and Democratic candidate for the 13th District U.S. House seat, is facing charges after police said he crashed a vehicle while driving under the influence and subsequently struck an officer at the hospital.
Wicklund has been charged with DUI in the April 18 rollover vehicle crash and is free on $10,000 bond.
He also faces a preliminary charge of aggravated battery against a police officer, with a special prosecutor having 30 days to determine whether to file a formal charge. The Macon County State's Attorney's Office typically makes formal charging decisions, but State's Attorney Jay Scott filed a motion Thursday seeking the special prosecutor due to Wicklund's former position on the county board. Wicklund served on the board from 2010 to 2013.
At the hospital, "Mark was cussing, screaming and shouting profanities towards officers and medical staff," Kaufman wrote, adding that he appeared to be "heavily intoxicated, with bloodshot, glassy eyes."
Wicklund refused to sit down on a bed, as he repeatedly said "that he had political connections and was leaving" the hospital, Kaufman wrote.
When Kaufman told him he was not free to leave, he made a move toward the exit and the officer placed his hand on his chest to prevent him from leaving.
"I advised Mark that he was going to be placed in restraints, since he continuously ignored my lawful orders," Kaufman wrote. After Wicklund tried again to leave the emergency room, the officer grabbed his wrist "to secure him to the hospital bed."
After a short struggle, "Mark quickly and forcefully swung his right arm backwards, striking me in the chest," Kaufman wrote. Another officer arrived at the hospital and Wicklund was placed in restraints.
http://herald-review.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/wicklund-facing-dui-police-battery-charges/article_77ddebcd-45b3-570f-bc2b-75fdef0255a6.html
Wicklund has been charged with DUI in the April 18 rollover vehicle crash and is free on $10,000 bond.
He also faces a preliminary charge of aggravated battery against a police officer, with a special prosecutor having 30 days to determine whether to file a formal charge. The Macon County State's Attorney's Office typically makes formal charging decisions, but State's Attorney Jay Scott filed a motion Thursday seeking the special prosecutor due to Wicklund's former position on the county board. Wicklund served on the board from 2010 to 2013.
At the hospital, "Mark was cussing, screaming and shouting profanities towards officers and medical staff," Kaufman wrote, adding that he appeared to be "heavily intoxicated, with bloodshot, glassy eyes."
Wicklund refused to sit down on a bed, as he repeatedly said "that he had political connections and was leaving" the hospital, Kaufman wrote.
When Kaufman told him he was not free to leave, he made a move toward the exit and the officer placed his hand on his chest to prevent him from leaving.
"I advised Mark that he was going to be placed in restraints, since he continuously ignored my lawful orders," Kaufman wrote. After Wicklund tried again to leave the emergency room, the officer grabbed his wrist "to secure him to the hospital bed."
After a short struggle, "Mark quickly and forcefully swung his right arm backwards, striking me in the chest," Kaufman wrote. Another officer arrived at the hospital and Wicklund was placed in restraints.
http://herald-review.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/wicklund-facing-dui-police-battery-charges/article_77ddebcd-45b3-570f-bc2b-75fdef0255a6.html