Driver Asks for Directions, Gets Arrested for OUI

(NECN: Kaetlyn Tivnan, Douglas, Mass.) - Routine traffic duty was anything but for one Douglas, Mass. officer on Wednesday.

He was parked at this spot on Main Street when a driver pulled up and asked for directions.

 “When the vehicle drove up he ran the plate and it came back that the owner was suspended,” said Douglas Police Lt. Nick Miglionico.

Police say 41-year-old Kenneth Charlton of Manchaug pulled up to the side of the cruiser just before 9 a.m. The officer followed him for a short distance before pulling him over near Cottage Street.

“It was determined his license had been suspended for an OUI while talking the officer noticed a strong smell of liquor which left him to believe he was once again driving under the influence,” Miglionico said.

Police conducted a breath test and revealed Charlton’s blood alcohol level was three times the legal limit.

Charlton was arrested on multiple charges, including operating without a license and operating under the influence.

To make the situation more ironic the driver was asking for directions to the Uxbridge District Courthouse.. A place he did eventually end up, just not the way he thought.

 “Not something that happens often. Usually someone suspended who sees an officer tries to be as discrete as possible and keep going so we were a little surprised by it,” Miglionico said.

According to the court, this is Charltons alleged second OUI offense.

He is being held on $1,000 cash bail until his arraignment.

Meanwhile, police say they're glad the officer got Charlton off the roads before he injured himself or anyone else.

“We were a little surprised by it but then again with his level of intoxication it obviously affected his judgment-making,” Miglionico said.

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