$125,000 Bond Ordered After Deputies Obtain Blood Draw Search Warrant

Warning: This article contains strong language.

Troy, Mo. — A Lincoln County crash investigation took an unexpected turn Sunday when deputies searching for a driver involved in a crash suddenly saw him drive back past the scene on a red UTV while they were still investigating what had happened.

That encounter ultimately led to an aggravated DWI charge, a court-approved blood draw search warrant, and a $125,000 cash-only bond for a Troy man with multiple prior alcohol-related convictions.

Patrick Thomas Irwin, Troy, Missouri

Charges:

• DWI — Aggravated

The investigation began Sunday morning after a crash was reported on North Rock Church Road involving a truck that left the scene.

The driver of the other vehicle told deputies Irwin appeared intoxicated after the crash. He said Irwin was instructed to drive to the top of a nearby hill where there was cell service so law enforcement could be contacted.

Instead, Irwin continued north and disappeared.

Deputies checked Irwin’s residence but were unable to locate him and returned to continue investigating the crash.

While standing near the damaged vehicle, speaking with those involved and documenting the scene, the group suddenly spotted Irwin again.

This time he wasn’t driving the truck.

He drove past them on a red UTV.

Deputies immediately began searching the area and quickly located the UTV traveling on North Rock Church Road.

After stopping the UTV, deputies identified Irwin as the driver.

According to court records, deputies immediately noticed a strong odor of alcohol, slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, glassy eyes and other signs of impairment.

When asked if he had been injured in the earlier crash, Irwin replied, “No, and I gave him all my info.”

He then told deputies he had taken the truck involved in the crash to a friend’s house after leaving the scene.

Field sobriety testing followed.

During the testing process, Irwin became increasingly frustrated with deputies.

At one point he stated, “You know what, I can do all of your idiot jokes all you want, and I’ll do it, but you know what, I’m old and I don’t care. What do you want from me?”

Later during the testing process, Irwin added, “I don’t think I can do this sober.”

Court records state Irwin eventually refused to provide a portable breath test sample.

After being placed under arrest, Irwin continued speaking with deputies while waiting for the UTV to be towed. He eventually calmed down, apologized and volunteered to show deputies where the truck involved in the crash had been left.

Deputies followed Irwin’s directions to a residence in Lincoln County and located the truck parked in a driveway.

The homeowner told deputies Irwin had arrived there earlier and was so intoxicated that he gave him a ride home. Deputies documented damage to the truck and recovered insurance information from inside the vehicle.

Irwin was then transported to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

While being processed, court records state Irwin continued cursing at deputies.

When asked if he would provide a breath sample after Missouri’s implied consent law was read to him, Irwin responded, “Write that down, you’re a pussy!”

A review of Irwin’s criminal history showed six prior alcohol-related convictions.

Because of the refusal and the circumstances of the investigation, deputies sought a search warrant authorizing a blood draw.

Judge Michael Jacobs approved the warrant and Irwin was transported to Mercy Lincoln Hospital.

Hospital staff attempted to collect the blood sample, but Irwin initially refused even after being advised a judge had signed the warrant.

Additional officers responded to the hospital as preparations were made to execute the warrant.

Before force became necessary, Irwin agreed to cooperate and the blood sample was collected without incident.

Court records show prosecutors requested the $125,000 cash-only bond citing Irwin’s six prior alcohol-related convictions, criminal history and allegations that he threatened violence toward law enforcement during the hospital portion of the investigation.

Irwin remains in custody at the Lincoln County Jail.

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

If you have information, corrections or tips, contact Lincoln CountyWatch at tips@LincolnCountyWatch.com or call/text 636-377-0201.

Lincoln CountyWatch is not affiliated with any law enforcement agency.

Story written by John Eads.

Sources:

Lincoln County Circuit Court

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office