Man Arraigned On Drug, OWI Charges After Pills Found

A 22-year-old man who police said had 44 narcotic pills in his vehicle when he was pulled over Sunday on M-59 has been charged with three felonies.

Sonny John of Utica was arraigned in 41-A District Court on charges of possessing and concealing a controlled substance, operating under the influence of drugs and driving on a suspended or revoked license.

Utica police pulled John over after a patrol officer noticed a Silverado driving erratically. Police said John crossed several lanes after missing the Mound/Merrill roads exit and almost sideswiped a vehicle.

Officer Matthew Kaluzny said he noticed John’s eyes were watery and bloodshot.

Kaluzny said after John failed several sobriety tests, he searched John's vehicle and discovered 44 prescription drug pills in an empty coffee mug, as well as an empty bottle of recently filled prescription drugs, which were in another person’s name.

Utica police identified the miscellaneous pills as anti-anxiety medication, antidepressants and pain-killers. John’s vehicle was impounded and he was arrested.

John was released Monday after 10 percent of his $5,000 bond was posted. He will return to 41-A court on Feb. 28 at 1:30 p.m. for a preliminary examination.