FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – A motorist who called 911 after watching a semi-truck weave all over Interstate 40 in Arizona, then block an exit, forcibly removed a truck driver before cops arrived. When the cops got there, they found a drunk trucker and alcohol.
Police in Arizona arrested a truck driver on Thursday for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) after registering more than eight times the legal limit.
Arizona Highway Patrol (AZDPS) stated in a news release that its dispatch received a call regarding a semi-truck that was unable to maintain its lane on I-40 near Flagstaff. Shortly after, the same caller advised the semi-truck driver was blocking an off-ramp on Interstate 40 and “was highly intoxicated.”
Police say the caller forcibly removed the intoxicated driver from the semi-truck and took the keys out of the vehicle.
Troopers arrived on scene and conducted field sobriety tests, during which they observed signs of impairment in the driver. The driver provided a preliminary breath sample, which indicated a 0.301 blood alchol level (BAC).
“This was nearly four times the standard legal limit, and nearly eight times the legal limit while operating a commercial vehicle,” AZDPS stated.
Police say alcohol was located inside the cab of the semi-truck, which was a violation of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration laws.
The driver was arrested for DUI. The semi-truck and trailer were towed and placed on a 20-day impound due to the driver’s level of intoxication.
“Drinking and driving a regular passenger car is dangerous. Drinking and driving a commercial vehicle? Potentially deadly,” AZDPS stated. “If you see a vehicle driving dangerously, call 911 immediately so emergency services can respond appropriately. Truck safely and don’t drink and drive.”
Bruce Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has lived in three states including Arkansas, Missouri and Georgia. During his nearly 20-year career, Bruce has served as managing editor and sports editor for numerous publications. He and his wife, Dana, who is also a journalist, are based in Carrollton, Georgia.
