On Wednesday night, Oakland County sheriff deputies from the followed a car driving along westbound Romeo Road, which appeared to be swerving and speeding, according to a substation report.
After getting in close proximity to the 1998 gray Aurora Oldsmobile, the deputy noticed that the car was jerking left and right along the road. After suspecting the driver might be intoxicated, the deputy put on the patrol car’s lights, the report said. The driver turned into the and sped away from the deputy.
The deputy lost visual contact with the vehicle and requested backup, according to the report. Another deputy who was on the scene attempted to stop the driver, however the car continued on, exiting the mobile park by driving around the patrolman. The deputy continued to chase after the vehicle as it entered a Valero Gas Station at the corner of Romeo Road and Rochester Road and continued down northbound Rochester Road after it exited the parking lot. After the vehicle almost lost control close to Brewer Road, the car began to slow down and eventually pulled over, the report said.
The driver, a 41-year-old Leonard man, was asked to get out of the car and ordered to lie down on his stomach. He was then handcuffed. Two open beer cans were found in the front seat cup-holders of the car, the report said. Deputies smelled a strong odor of intoxicants and the man refused to take a personal breathalyzer test, according to the report. The man was placed under arrest on charges of fleeing and eluding and issued an Operating While Intoxicated ticket.
The man was later interviewed and said he did not see the patrol lights or hear the siren, according to the report. Deputies transferred the man to the Oakland County Jail.
