(La Porte County, IN) - La Porte County Police arrested a very impaired looking driver posing a danger to other motorists last evening.

 

A test showed no alcohol in the blood stream of the driver, Dakota Baskin, who claimed he had smoked what he called “prickly lettuce.”

 

Police said an officer responded to a report of a pick-up truck weaving and traveling into oncoming traffic southbound on Johnson Road. The vehicle was located stopped on Wozniak Road with approaching vehicles backing up behind and in front of his 2002 Ford F 150.

 

Police said the officer recognized symptoms of impairment in the driver like red and glassy eyes, droopy eyelids and swaying as he stood.

 

After his claims of not consuming alcohol were proven, the officer asked if he had taken any narcotics, police said.

 

In response, Baskin said he smoked “prickly lettuce, explaining the substance is used by Native Americans to “calm down,” according to police. 

 

According to experts, the leaf is believed to have other medicinal purposes for treating things like pain and is used as a stimulant.  Police said the man also revealed he has a prescription for a medication that advises no driving after consumption.

 

He was arrested for operating while intoxicated.  Investigators are waiting for the results of a blood test to determine if he had consumed any foreign  substances.