Crime & Safety

Drunk Driver Caused Accident, Injury in Maplewood, Police Say

A driver who pulled in front of another car and caused an accident May 19 in Maplewood now faces his fifth impaired driving charge.

John Zeppo, 45, of the 3400 block of St. Clovis Lane in St. Ann, was charged May 22 with driving while intoxicated as a chronic offender. He has four previous convictions for alcohol-impaired driving.

Maplewood Police said Zeppo was driving and pulled in front of an oncoming vehicle on Big Bend Boulebard at Flora Drive at 7:39 a.m. May 19. The oncoming car could not avoid a collision.

The driver in the second car had injuries to his shoulder, wrist, back, arm and face, and was treated at St. Mary’s Hospital.

A Maplewood police officer said Zeppo had a strong odor of alcohol, bloodshot and glassy eyes. Police said Zeppo admitted drinking six beers, and was arrested.

Zeppo is being held in St. Louis County Justice Center. Bail was set at $25,000.

Zeppo was convicted of DWI three times in Texas, once each in 2009, 2006 and 2004. He also was found guilty of driving with an elevated blood-alcohol content in 1994 in Leadington, MO.


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