WEXFORD COUNTY (WWJ) - When Northern Michigan troopers pulled over to help a motorist waving for help on Wednesday evening, they did not expect to find the driver extremely intoxicated and carrying a concealed weapon.
But they did, authorities say.
According to the Michigan State Police, troopers from the Cadillac Post were dispatched to the area of S 33 Road near E 46 Road in Wexford County around 8:40 p.m. Wednesday to help assist a man attempted to flag down passersby for help.
When police arrived at the scene, they found the driver, 43-year-old Tony Lee Bennett from Manton, being helped by two others who were pouring gas into his fuel tank.
As Bennett went into his vehicle to find his ID, MSP said the man instead handed troopers a half-empty bottle of vodka.
When questioning, Bennett was said to have displayed obvious signs of being intoxicated and was subjected to sobriety tests. Bennett was then taken into custody for operating while drunk, police said.
"A chemical test later determined he was three times over the legal limit," state police said in a statement. "A .22 caliber handgun was recovered from the back seat."
Bennett was arraigned in Wexford on several counts, including Operating While Intoxicated, Operating While Intoxicated with a High BAC, Possession of Firearm While Under the Influence, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, and Open Alcohol in Vehicle
The judge grant him a Personal Recognizance Bond -- Bennett is due back in court on October 11 at 2:00 p.m.