A man who reportedly displayed a firearm during an altercation at Waffle House, 1133 N. Main St., Friday, Sept. 20, was later arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including drunk driving and multiple gun charges.
Michael Atzbach, 43, of Kenton, was taken into custody following the incident that began around 10:14 p.m., officers of the Bellefontaine Police Department report. Officers were notified of a dispute at the Waffle House, where a male suspect had reportedly shown a firearm.
Witnesses reported that Atzbach had been involved in an argument with other customers, and was asked to leave the establishment. He reportedly left and got into a silver Dodge pickup truck. Moments later, Atzbach revved his engine before raising a handgun in the air and smiling at one of the witnesses, officers were told.
Officers responding to the call observed a truck matching the description of the suspect’s vehicle traveling northbound on north Main Street. The truck was seen swerving, crossing the double yellow line, and fluctuating in speed between 35 and 45 mph. Officers followed the suspect’s truck as he pulled into the Marathon gas station parking lot, 1138 N. Main St.
Atzbach was told to exit the truck and walk backwards towards officers. He reportedly struggled to comply with the commands and repeatedly turned around, looking at officers. Once outside the truck, he was unsteady on his feet and showed signs of impairment, including bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and the strong smell of alcohol.
Atzbach was taken into custody. A handgun was discovered in plain view on the passenger seat of the truck, along with unopened cans of alcohol. The weapon was loaded and had a magazine containing 15 rounds of 9mm ammunition.
While being transported to the Logan County Jail, the strong smell of alcohol from Atzbach was noted by officers. At the jail, he refused to participate in field sobriety tests or provide a chemical test, and was charged for OVI. He was also charged with improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle, a felony due because he was intoxicated.
Atzbach’s vehicle was towed from the scene, and his driver’s license was seized. The Logan County Prosecutor’s Office is reviewing the case for further charges.
