Man charged with aggravated DUI, illegal transportation of alcohol in Riverside

A Chicago man was charged Saturday with aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol and illegal transportation of alcohol after a stop in Riverside.

William R. Walters, 46, of the 3500 block of South Western Avenue, Chicago. also was charged with driving on a revoked license, driving without headlights when required and driving without insurance, police said.

Walters has five prior convictions for driving while suspended or revoked license, police said. He also has a lengthy criminal history including 69 prior arrests including DUI, drugs, gang activity, retail theft, theft, battery, domestic violence, disorderly conduct, assault, robbery, mob action and theft, according to police.

Walters’ license had been revoked since May 1995 for a DUI conviction, police said.

At 2:19 a.m., police spotted a 2011 Chevy Impala with a Wisconsin registration traveling on Ogden Avenue without headlights or tail lights. Police initiated a traffic stop on the 7200 block of West Ogden Avenue.

When police approached Walters and began explaining the reason for the stop, they could smell a strong odor of alcoholic coming from Walters’ breath. Walter had slurred speech and spoke confusingly to the officer.

Walters said he didn’t have a driver’s license and it was not valid. Police checked on the status of his driver’s license and found that he was revoked for prior DUI convictions.

While placing him in custody, police observed an open bottle of beer on the floor in the front seat passenger side of the vehicle and more beer bottles on the front seat. Once in custody, Walter failed field sobriety tests.He was offered the Breathalyzer but refused.