Drunk Driver Tried To Evade Arrest By Switching Seats With His Dog During Traffic Stop

Springfield, CO – An alleged drunk driver attempted to outsmart police by switching places with his dog after he was pulled over on suspicion of DUI over the weekend.

The incident began at approximately 11:30 p.m. on May 13, when a Springfield police officer clocked a vehicle traveling 52 miles per hour in a 30-mile-per-hour zone near Main Street and 7th Avenue, the Springfield Police Department (SPD) said in a press release.

The officer – who was actually SPD Chief Clay Klipfel – pulled the 28-year-old driver over and was approaching the suspect’s Dodge Challenger when he noticed movement inside the car, KUSA reported.

“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,” the police department said. “The male party then exited the passenger side of the vehicle and claimed he was not driving.”

Police said the suspect was exhibiting “clear signs of intoxication” as his interaction with Chief Klipfel continued.

The police chief asked the suspect whether he’d consumed alcohol prior to driving that night, at which point the suspect allegedly took off running, KUSA reported.

He was quickly apprehended approximately 20 yards away from the car.

Investigators determined the suspect and two passengers were trying to drive from Las Animas to Pueblo, but that they wound up getting lost in Springfield, according to the press release.

Pueblo sits in the opposite direction from Las Animas in comparison to Springfield.

Police said they also discovered the driver happened to have two warrants for his arrest out of Pueblo.

He was transported to the hospital and was medically cleared prior to being booked into the Baca County Jail on charges of driving while ability impaired, driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, speeding, resisting arrest, and driving while suspended, in addition to his outstanding warrants.

Police said the suspect’s dog was placed into the care of an acquaintance until his owner gets out of jail.

“The dog does not face any charges and was let go with just a warning,” the SPD added.