A local teen was arrested late Friday night for operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OVI) following a traffic stop that revealed significant signs of impairment.
At approximately 11:30 PM, an officer patrolling the area of South Main Street and Lake Avenue noticed a white Toyota sedan that was unresponsive at a green light.
After sitting through the light for 12 seconds, the vehicle began moving but exhibited erratic driving, weaving dangerously close to the double yellow lane divider.
The officer initiated a traffic stop after observing further erratic behavior, including driving over parking stalls.
The driver, identified as 18-year-old Landon Johnson, of Bellefontaine, pulled over in front of the Bellefontaine Municipal Court.
Upon contact, the officer detected a strong odor of a fruity alcoholic beverage coming from inside the vehicle. Johnson’s bloodshot eyes and slurred speech raised further concerns about his sobriety.
He initially claimed to have consumed only “one drink” but later admitted to drinking two Peach Four Loko beverages, which were found in the vehicle.
Field sobriety tests were conducted, and Johnson demonstrated clear signs of impairment, including difficulty maintaining balance and following instructions.
His breath test resulted in a blood alcohol concentration of 0.160, which is twice the legal limit for drivers in Ohio.
Johnson was placed under arrest for OVI and charged with underage alcohol consumption and possession of an open container.
He was released to his father and is scheduled for a mandatory court appearance.
