Sharon C. Nordyke, 63, of St. John, faces multiple charges following a two-vehicle crash Tuesday afternoon that allegedly escalated into a confrontation with police and a struggle over a court-ordered blood draw.
According to court documents, St. John police responded around 3:48 p.m. Sept. 8 to the 10200 block of Wicker Avenue for a traffic crash. Police found a 2004 Honda Accord with its front bumper pushed into the rear bumper of a 2026 Ford Escape in the center turn lane. Nordyke was seated behind the wheel of the Honda.
As police spoke with Nordyke, they allegedly detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from her breath and an overwhelming odor of urine that became stronger during the encounter. Police described Nordyke’s speech as extremely slurred and thick-tongued and said her eyes were red, watery and bloodshot. When asked how many alcoholic beverages she had consumed, Nordyke allegedly said she had consumed none. Police also said she had poor finger dexterity while attempting to locate her license and insurance.
Nordyke told paramedics she was not experiencing pain from the crash and did not need medical attention. After several failed attempts to provide a portable breath sample, police said Nordyke provided a brief sample that registered .186. When she exited the Honda, police said she swayed while standing and used the vehicle to maintain her balance.
Police attempted a field sobriety test, but Nordyke allegedly continued moving her head despite repeated instructions not to do so. No additional standardized field sobriety tests were attempted because police believed her level of intoxication created safety concerns. She was then handcuffed and placed in a patrol vehicle.
The driver of the Ford told police she had stopped in the center turn lane and activated her hazard lights to retrieve a bottle that had fallen on the floor when the Honda rear-ended her. A witness told investigators he had observed the Honda driving erratically and cutting off other vehicles before it entered the center turn lane and struck the stopped Ford.
Nordyke allegedly refused to consent to a chemical test and was transported to the St. John Police Department while police obtained a warrant for a blood draw. Court documents state Nordyke was sleeping in a cell and was difficult to wake. Once awake, she allegedly became belligerent and insisted she was not going to a hospital or submitting to a blood draw.
When officers prepared to transport her, Nordyke allegedly threatened to “piss” in the patrol vehicle if she was not allowed to use the restroom. Police allowed her to do so before taking her to a local hospital. During the drive, Nordyke allegedly continued telling police she would refuse the blood draw and would not allow anyone to take her blood.
At the hospital, Nordyke allegedly became loud in the waiting area and repeatedly yelled that she would not submit to the blood draw despite being told numerous times to lower her voice. Police said she later threatened to urinate on the waiting-room floor if she was not permitted to use the restroom.
When medical personnel attempted the blood draw, Nordyke allegedly tensed her body and pulled away from officers while yelling that she would not allow her blood to be taken. According to court documents, Nordyke repeatedly said she did not care what the judge said and would not comply with the warrant because she did not live in “Russia.”
The first blood-draw attempt began, but police said Nordyke violently pulled away, causing the vein to be blown. During the struggle, Nordyke allegedly kicked an officer in the left ankle, causing him pain.
Police said additional officers helped restrain Nordyke while medical personnel completed the blood draw from her right arm around 6:23 p.m. Court documents state Nordyke was screaming and attempting to pull away throughout the procedure.
Nordyke was then transported to the Lake County Jail. During the trip, she allegedly made a spontaneous statement that she had consumed “1 or 2 beers” along with her muscle relaxer medication.
Charges filed September 9, 2026:
- Battery Against a Public Safety Official — Level 6 Felony
- Obstruction of Justice — Level 6 Felony
- Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated Endangering a Person — Class A Misdemeanor
- Resisting Law Enforcement — Class A Misdemeanor
- Disorderly Conduct — Class B Misdemeanor
- Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated — Class C Misdemeanor
- Unsafe Lane Movement — Infraction
- Operating a Motor Vehicle Without Financial Responsibility — Infraction
- Following Too Closely — Infraction
