Driver Cited with OVI and Open Container After Traffic Stop

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Luis Hernandez, 26, of Springfield, was cited after Bellefontaine Police stopped him Saturday afternoon.

Police received a call that a gray Toyota was southbound on US 68, coming into the city, and was driving recklessly.

Dispatch informed officers that the caller was in front of the Toyota, and reported that the driver had traveled into the opposite lane many times, nearly causing several accidents.

The caller corrected themselves saying that the vehicle was a Honda, not a Toyota, as they previously thought.

Police were able to catch up with the Honda near the north end of Bellefontaine and initiated a traffic stop.

When officers approached the driver, later identified as Hernandez, he showed several signs of intoxication.

Officers could see an open beer can, partially hidden under a jacket, on the passenger seat.

Hernandez was asked to step out of the vehicle and officers searched it, finding several empty beer cans inside.

He was placed under arrest and transported to the Bellefontaine Police Department.

Due to a language barrier, a translator was called and assisted officers in conducting a breath test.

Hernandez blew a BAC of .266, more than 3 times the legal limit.

He was charged with two counts of OVI, operating a motor vehicle without a valid license, operation in willful or wanton disregard, and open container.

Hernandez was then transported to the Logan County Jail, where he was released to a sober driver.