A Bellefontaine man was arrested late Thursday night for driving under the influence (DUI) and endangering a child after he was stopped by police for running a red light. The incident took place just before 9 PM at the intersection of East Chillicothe Avenue and South Main Street.
According to police reports, the driver, identified as 42-year-old Robert C. Rowe, was seen driving a gray Ford F150 through a red light. Upon stopping Rowe’s vehicle, officers detected the strong odor of alcohol and observed an open container of Miller Lite beer in the driver’s door panel.
During the traffic stop, officers noted Rowe had difficulty retrieving his driver’s license and insurance information from his wallet and cell phone. A 12-pack of Miller Lite, with at least one can missing, was found in the back seat of his truck. Rowe claimed to have consumed only two beers earlier in the evening, but his statement was contradicted by the presence of additional alcohol in the vehicle.
Rowe was asked to perform standardized field sobriety tests, which revealed significant impairments. He struggled with balance and coordination during the tests, prompting officers to place him under arrest. A subsequent breathalyzer test at the Bellefontaine Police Department showed Rowe had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .161%, nearly twice the legal limit for driving.
The arrest became more serious with the discovery that Rowe had a juvenile passenger in the front seat of his truck at the time of the stop. The child was later released to a family member with the consent of a guardian.
Rowe faces multiple charges, including operating a motor vehicle while under the influence (OVI), with a BAC above .08 but below .17, and a citation for running a red light. Additionally, he has been charged with endangering children due to the presence of the juvenile in the vehicle.
The case has also been forwarded to Logan County Children Services for further review.
