It was a busy day in Pottawatomie County Court, with a plea entered by a Marysville man who drove his vehicle into two Manhattan businesses including Staples last December. Judge Jeff Elder found Jason Butler, 36, guilty of the charge he entered the plea to, which was driving under the influence.
The seven other charges in the case were dismissed.
Pottawatomie County Attorney Schuck recounted the incident Butler was involved in, with extensive damage to two businesses near Tuttle Creek Boulevard, including Staples and Short Go. The smoke from the rubber of the tires caused the fire alarm to go off. Butler’s vehicle was later found, also heavily damaged, at Motel 6. And Butler was found there, with obvious injuries and blood on him.
And while several empty beer cans were found in the area of the vehicle, blood alcohol levels were only .03. However Schuck talked about the possibility that huffing may have been involved. Butler’s attorney Rebecca Rookstool made note of the BAC and no tests coming back yet indicating any illegal drugs in his system . But she indicated he was still willing to make the plea.
Butler’s sentencing has been set for April 16th.
