Vincent Thomas, 46, of Zanesfield, was charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and or drugs, open container and resisting arrest, following an investigation by officers of the Bellefontaine Police Department into a motorist that reportedly was drinking beer while driving around 1:52 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 20.
At 1:52 p.m., a caller reported seeing a man drinking beer while driving a Mercury Marquis. The caller said the vehicle had pulled into McDonald’s, 1127 North Main St. Officers arrived shortly after and found Thomas parked in a handicapped spot with the vehicle idling.
While approaching the car officers observed an open 24-ounce Bud Ice in the cup holder. When confronted, Thomas initially denied drinking but later admitted to consuming alcohol. Officers noted signs of impairment, including the odor of alcohol and bloodshot eyes, and conducted field sobriety tests, which Thomas failed.
When officers attempted to take Thomas into custody, he resisted by pulling away and briefly grabbing a handcuff before being restrained and arrested. He was transported to the Bellefontaine Police Department. After initially refusing a breathalyzer test, he later submitted to one and registered a blood-alcohol content of .128.