Driver in chase pleads guilty to lower charges

11/16/2012

A Toledo man who claims he “blacked out” while driving and leading Sylvania Township police on an extended chase in April has pleaded guilty to reduced charges in Lucas County Common Pleas Court.

Gerald Jordan, 63, of 2714 Chestnut St. pleaded guilty Tuesday to attempted failure to comply and drunken driving. He faces up to 1½ years in prison when sentenced Dec. 18 by Judge Myron Duhart.

Jordan acknowledged in court he drove while drunk but said he does not remember everything that occurred about 3 a.m. April 18. He admitted he disregarded officers’ attempts to pull him over on westbound I-475 near Corey Road and was not stopped until officers initiated a crash. At one point, Jordan crossed the median and drove the wrong way on I-475/U.S. 23.

Assistant County Prosecutor Matthew Simko said Jordan’s blood-alcohol content was 0.239 percent. In Ohio, drivers are considered intoxicated if the content is 0.08 percent.