The deputy mayor of Cahokia Heights was arrested for driving under the influence of a controlled substance, Illinois State Police confirmed.
State police said DeMario Helm Sr., 42, was involved in a single-vehicle crash on Mousette Lane at Sauget Business Blvd. about 3:13 a.m. Saturday. He was arrested at the scene and has been charged with driving under the influence in St. Clair County.
Helm is a former city manager for Centerville and was appointed deputy mayor of Cahokia Heights in 2021. DeMario operated a city-issued 2021 GMC SUV.
He hung up on a BND reporter when contacted for comment about his arrest.
While serving as city clerk in Centerville, which has since been combined with Cahokia and Alorton to form Cahokia Heights, Helm had trouble with law enforcement. In 2015, he was charged with aggravated battery on a police officer and resisting police.
The battery charge was dismissed in a plea agreement, according to St. Clair County court records.
