The Henry County Sheriff’s Office reports a Niota, Illinois man was arrested early Sunday morning after allegedly driving the wrong way on Highway 34.
According to Sheriff Rich McNamee, deputies were dispatched at approximately 2:10 a.m. on February 22, 2026 after receiving reports of an SUV traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of Highway 34. Henry County Dispatch received multiple 911 calls throughout the incident, with callers providing updated location information on the vehicle.
Deputies located the SUV still traveling in the incorrect lanes and conducted a traffic stop near mile marker 239. Authorities say the vehicle was brought to a safe stop without further incident.
Following an investigation, deputies determined Chad Hohenthaner, 54, of Niota, Illinois, was operating the vehicle on the wrong side of the two-way highway. Hohenthaner was arrested and transported to the Henry County Jail.
He has been charged with Operating While Intoxicated, First Offense, a serious misdemeanor, along with Open Container and Driving on the Wrong Side of a Two-Way Highway, both scheduled violations.
A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.