A Wheaton man was sentenced Thursday to 24 years in prison after being convicted for his 10th DUI.
Gordon Vanderark, 52, was arrested last July for failing to stop at a traffic light. Officers observed that Vanderark was wearing only one shoe and reeked of alcohol, according to DuPage County State’s Attorney Joseph Birkett.
Vanderark was slurring his speech, had bloodshot eyes, and admitted that he had been drinking that night, Birkett added.
A police report indicated that Vanderark had a blood alcohol level of .164, more than two times the legal limit, according to the Wheaton Sun.
Vanderark entered a guilty plea of aggravated driving under the influence as well as aggravated driving with a revoked license.
DuPage Circuit Judge Blanche Hill Fawell said that due to Vanderark’s extensive drinking record, his 24-year sentence was necessary to protect the public.
