Russell L. Lusby, 67, of 117 W. Brown Ave., was charged Monday, Oct. 10, with operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs after a 4:10 p.m. traffic stop.
An officer of the Bellefontaine Police Department was southbound on Main in response to an anonymous complaint that Lusby was driving a car in the parking lot outside of Dollar General, 2045 S. Main. He observed Lusby northbound and watched as the suspect turned left onto Malone Avenue without using a turn signal. The officer turned to pursue Lusby and found him in the car parked at the rear entrance to Liberty National Bank, 1454 S. Main.
Upon contact with Lusby, the officer noted an odor of alcohol and spotted a cold, open, 24-ounce of beer in a center console cup holder. He was instructed to exit the car for field sobriety tests. He reportedly swayed during an initial test which indicated he was under the influence of alcohol.
He was taken into custody and offered a breathalyzer. He provided a 0.148 sample but the law requires two samples. He failed to supply a second sample and was charged with an OVI refusal.
It was noted in the incident report Lusby has four prior OVI convictions. He also has more than 17 suspensions.
Lusby was issued traffic citations for failure to use turn signals, no operator’s license, failure to reinstate, non-compliance and having an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle.
He was released to a sober driver.