Drunken Driver Found With Loose Cannabis During Arlington Heights Arrest

A 19-year-old was charged with DUI, speeding, and possession of cannabis outside its container, police say.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A 19-year-old man was arrested in Arlington Heights, Illinois for driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding, and possession of cannabis outside of its container, according to the Arlington Heights Police Department. The man, identified as Joseph White, was pulled over around 3:48 a.m. on February 25th and found to have a blood alcohol concentration level of .08 or more.

Why it matters

Driving under the influence and possession of cannabis outside of its legal container are both serious offenses that raise public safety concerns. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing impaired driving and illegal drug use, especially among younger drivers.

The details

Police say Joseph White, 19, of Mount Prospect, Illinois, was pulled over for speeding in the 600 block of E. Palatine Road in Arlington Heights. Officers determined he was driving under the influence of alcohol and also found he had cannabis that was not in a proper container. White was charged with DUI alcohol, DUI with a BAC of .08 or more, unlawful possession of adult-use cannabis in a motor vehicle, and speeding.

  • White was arrested at 3:48 a.m. on February 25, 2026 in the 600 block of E. Palatine Road in Arlington Heights.

The players

Joseph White

A 19-year-old man from Mount Prospect, Illinois who was arrested for DUI, possession of cannabis, and speeding.

Arlington Heights Police Department

The law enforcement agency that arrested White and filed the charges against him.

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What’s next

White was released and assigned a court date of March 31, 2026 to face the charges.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for continued education and enforcement around impaired driving and illegal drug use, especially among younger drivers, in order to promote public safety on the roads.