Probable cause: Alleged drunk driver asleep in running car at Kum & Go with two small children in vehicle

A March 25 arraignment is set for Newton County Circuit Court for a Pierce City man charged with driving while intoxicated, driving while revoked, possession of a controlled substance and endangering the welfare of a child after falling asleep in a running car at the Kum & Go at 5002 S. Main on January 28.

According to the probable cause statement, Johnathan William Knight, 37, was sitting in the parking lot at the Kum & Go, with the ignition running and his headlights and tail lights illuminated.

The store clerk said Knight pulled into the lot and sat unconscious for approximately four hours with two children, ages 3 and 1 in the vehicle with him.








Knight was unawakened, he was slurring his words, thought he was at Kum & Go in Sarcoxie or Neosho. Knight had problems providing his driver's license when requested. He was unable to provide the name of the children's mother or her phone number.

Knight was removed from the vehicle. Knight was in a stupor, was extremely lethargic, had problems standing and was passing out while being spoken to. Due to Knight's demeanor and inability to clearly speak it's believed he is under the influence of an unknown substance.

During a consent search of his person, methamphetamine was located inside a cigarette pack inside of Knight's pocket. Also in Knight's pocket was an uopened bottle of American Honey Whiskey. Knight admitted to whiskey four to five hours before officers contact.