Cop Dodges Driver Who Blew Stop Sign

A cop who narrowly dodged a careening car arrested a Tinley Park man who was later accused of drunken driving.

Police said Dennis P. Gelb, 53, of the 7500 block of 160th Place, blew through a stop sign at about 10:28 p.m. on Sept. 20 in the intersection of Ridgeland Avenue and Elm Street.

Gelb was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, disobeying a stop sign and driving without proof of insurance, according to an Oak Forest police report.

An officer, who feared he would be hit while driving through the intersection by a speeding car, watched in his rearview mirror as it blew through the intersection, the report states.

The driver, Gelb, had a strong odor of alcohol when he spoke, the report states. He fumbled with his wallet when police asked for his license. Gelb told police he was on his way to pick up his wife from work in Palos Heights.

Police asked Gelb to take tests for sobriety, during which he asked on officer "Who are you looking at?" and said he could not finish, the report states. Gelb was arrested and used vulgar language while police took him to the station.

Gelb is due on Nov. 8 in Bridgeview court.