A motorist reportedly en route to an alcohol rehab facility was arrested for drunk driving following a traffic stop executed around 3 p.m., Tuesday, April 9, by officers of the Bellefontaine Police Department in the area of Lake Avenue and Ludlow Road.
Timothy Sawyer, 64, of Columbus, reportedly was clocked at 36 mph through a 20 mph zone along Lake Avenue. Officers followed the suspect to the intersection of Lake and Ludlow and initiated a traffic stop. Sawyer pulled into the parking lot at Blue Jacket Park and upon making contact with the defendant, officers reported signs of impairment.
Sawyer told police he was heading to an alcohol rehab facility in Delaware and was running late. He admitted to police he did not have a valid license because of a previous drunk driving charge, but that he had no choice but to drive.
Field sobriety tests were not successful, and officers searched the vehicle. An empty bottle of Fireball whiskey was found, as well as an empty beer can. Sawyer was taken back to the police department at that time.
He initially refused a breathalyzer test, but ultimately opted to take one. His blood-alcohol content registered at .324, police report.
Sawyer was charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, driving under suspension and expired registration and was lodged in the Logan County Jail.