URBANA — A Philo man who drove the wrong way on several major roads while drunk last winter faces up to 30 years in prison for his latest conviction.

A Champaign County jury Wednesday convicted Shawn Bahrs, 47, of aggravated driving under the influence, driving under revocation, and aggravated fleeing and eluding after hearing how Bahrs drove erratically between Philo and north Urbana last Feb. 7, forcing several motorists off the road, and fleeing from police who had to use "stop sticks" to disable his van.

Judge Richard Klaus set sentencing for Bahrs for Sept. 7. Because of his prior record, which includes convictions for residential burglary and possession of a stolen vehicle, Bahrs has to be sentenced as a Class X felon.

Assistant State's Attorney Andrea Bergstrom said Bahrs also had four prior convictions for DUI dating to 1985.

News-Gazette employee Ron Blakey testified he was getting money out of a newspaper vending machine on Main Street in Philo when he heard and saw Bahrs, who appeared to be sick. After realizing he was probably intoxicated, he left Bahrs, called 911 and ended up following Bahrs from Philo to Urbana, where police began their pursuit.

For more details of the trial, see Thursday's News-Gazette.