Adam R. Rutan, 27, of North Lewisburg, was charged with operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs relating to a crash the evening of Friday, Dec. 9.
Rutan was transported by EMS to Mary Rutan Hospital for treatment of suspected minor injuries sustained in the crash.
Deputies of the Logan County Sheriff’s Office report he was operating an eastbound 2010 Acura MDX about 11 p.m. on State Route 287 near County Road 28 when he failed to negotiate a curve, going off the left side of the road, striking a tree and coming to a rest.
Deputies and West Liberty Fire Department responded to the area after receiving a report from Rutan’s ex-girlfriend about the crash. She stated that he had called her and told her “Merry Christmas” and “happy birthday,” but her birthday is in July. She observed that he was slurring his words and not making much sense.
While on the phone with him, she stated she heard a sound like his car had crashed.
When deputies arrived on the scene, they said Rutan had sustained a fracture to his arm, and they also observed an odor of alcohol on his person. He was unable to complete field sobriety tests because of his condition.
Damage was heavy to the sport utility vehicle, which was towed from the scene.
Deputies also recovered a partially empty bottle of liquor from the vehicle.
Deputies followed up with Rutan at the hospital, and he told deputies he had consumed two beers earlier in the evening and that he smoke marijuana earlier in the day. He refused to provide a urine sample.
The defendant was also cited for failure to control and no seat belt.