A man observed stumbling through a restaurant parking lot was arrested for drunk driving and open container following a Saturday, March 8, investigation by officers of the Bellefontaine Police Department.
Ronald Beuchert, 61, of Blacklick, was taken into custody and charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs and open container after officers responded to a report of a suspected intoxicated man at McDonald’s, 1127 N. Main St..
At approximately 8:51 p.m., officers arrived and located Beuchert sitting in a blue Ford Ranger parked in the northwest corner of the lot. As officers approached, Beuchert placed the truck in drive and attempted to leave. Officers activated their lights and Beuchert pulled over.
Beuchert told police he works at the East Liberty Honda plant. He denied consuming alcohol but reportedly slurred his words and appeared unsteady on his feet. An open container of alcohol was observed in plain view, which Beuchert denied having. A search of the vehicle uncovered an empty beer can and an empty bottle of liquor.
Beuchert refused to participate in field sobriety tests. He admitted he had previously sought alcohol treatment and planned to enter a sober living facility on Monday. Officers noted a strong odor of alcohol on him and, placed him under arrest for OVI.
He was transported to the Bellefontaine Police Department, where he refused to take a breathalyzer test. As a result, his Ohio driver’s license was suspended for one year. He was lodged in the Logan County Jail.