Lorimor mayor jailed on OWI charge

Lorimor Mayor Timmy Oneil was arrested Saturday, May 20 by Union County deputies and charged with OWI, second offense.

According to a Union County report, while dealing with Oneil on an separate matter, Oneil said he had been drinking throughout the day. Deputies warned Oneil not to operate a motor vehicle.

A short time later, citizens reported Oneil to be driving erratically in the Lorimor area and deputies saw Oneil to be the driver of a Ford Ranger.

A traffic stop was initiated on U.S. Highway 169, and contact was made with the driver, confirmed to be Oneil. He had slurred speech, bloodshot, watery eyes, impaired balance, the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his person and open alcohol containers.

Field sobriety testing indicated clues of impairment. Oneil refused PBT testing but did state he had consumed approximately 12 beers prior to the traffic stop.

After being transported to the Union County Law Enforcement Center, Oneil refused to provide a breath specimen for chemical testing. The refusal will mean an automatic revocation of his license for two years.

Oneil was taken to the Union County Jail where he was released from after posting $2,000 cash or surety bond. Oneil was charged Oct. 23, 2021, and later found guilty of OWI, first offense in Madison County. He is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on Union County charges June 6.