SPRINGFIELD, Colo. (Scripps News Denver) – Man’s best friend is surely no more, at least for one Colorado man who tried to blame his dog for his erratic driving behavior this past weekend, according to police.
The man was reportedly driving 20 miles over the speed limit at around 11:30 p.m. Saturday when he was stopped by Springfield Police.
While driving over the speed limit in the middle of the night is already bad enough, the officer who stopped him wasn’t prepared to witness what happened next.
“The driver attempted to switch places with his dog who was in the passenger seat, as the SPD officer approached and watched the entire process,” according to a press release.
The unidentified suspect then got out of his car from the passenger side door and claimed he was not the one driving, according to police.
Investigators said the man showed “clear signs of intoxication” and when asked if he had consumed alcohol, the man allegedly ran away.
He was apprehended within about 20 yards of the vehicle, police said.
It was eventually discovered that the man was driving from Las Animas to Pueblo and got lost in Springfield, police said, adding he had two active warrants out for his arrest out of Pueblo.
Deputies with the Baca County Sheriff’s Office arrived to assist and the suspect was then sent to a hospital where he was medically cleared to leave. He was then booked into the Baca County Jail for his warrants and also charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, driving while ability impaired, driving under suspension speeding 20-24 over the speed limit, and resisting arrest.
It’s unclear what became of his dog, but Scripps News Denver has contacted the Springfield Police Department for an update.
This story was originally published by KMGH in Denver, an E.W. Scripps Company.
