It was a typically busy noon-hour at a neighbor market. People were stopping by for sandwiches and salads, or to quickly grab a few items from its shelves stocked with fine cheeses, wines and baked goods. It was in those busy moments that an SUV slammed through the glass doors of Marczyk Fine Foods in Denver.
No one was hurt, but video surveillance cameras showed how close employees and customers alike were to a close encounter with flying glass and bricks and the vehicle that crashed all the way inside the store in the 5100 block East Colfax Avenue. Police said the driver was taken into custody on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs.
Law enforcement officials did not tell KMGH which drugs they suspect the driver of using. But we know that in similar cases, a wide variety of substances can be involved, including street drugs and prescription medications.
The Food and Drug Administration says on its website that some of the most commonly misused or abused prescription drugs include pain relievers, drugs used to control anxiety (example: Xanax), sleep aids (Ambien), some antidepressants (Paxil, Zoloft), cough medicines (and any other prescriptions) containing codeine, some allergy/cold medicines (Clarinex) and stimulants (Ritalin).
The various drugs have side effects that can include drowsiness, slowed reactions, vision problems, excitability, dizziness, impaired judgment and others.
As we noted, police haven’t said what drugs are suspected in this case. It is possible that no drugs are involved (medical emergencies can also cause accidents). Testing will help determine which substance might be involved.
For the driver, and others facing DUID charges, the stakes will be enormous: freedom, driving privileges and career considerations can be involved. An attorney experienced in DUID defense assesses your situation, informs you of your legal options and then pursues the choice best for you.