We cover our fair share of wild local news stories here at Jalopnik. From the Florida man driving on two tires who claimed he was fleeing paranormal activity to a different Florida man launching his Challenger into a canal, it would be understandable if you assumed all of these posts come out of Florida. This time around, though, it was an Arkansas driver exhibiting some very Florida behavior when he failed miserably trying to get out of a DUI arrest.
A suspected drunk driver in Heber Springs, Arkansas was pulled over back in May, and CarScoops recently found the dash cam footage of the traffic stop. When the officer approached the car, he noticed an open bottle of vodka on the passenger side of the driver’s Toyota Camry. The officer then asked him to get out of the car for more questioning and to take a field sobriety test. The driver refused the test and a breathalyzer. We’re not sure why, but the officer had him put the alcohol in the trunk and then let him get back in his car.
Within a minute, the driver sped off leading the officer on a multi-mile chase, reportedly hitting speeds of 75 mph, driving dangerously and even blowing through an intersection before he was finally pulled over a second time. We’re not sure what exactly happened after he was taken to jail, as we’ve been unable to find the driver’s name, but hopefully, they didn’t let him off easy.
Still, maybe consider this story a public service announcement. If you get pulled over with an open bottle of liquor on the floor, you’re probably not free to go the moment the officer tells you to put your liquor in the trunk. You’ve actually got to wait until you’re told you can leave. Also, you know, maybe don’t drink and drive in the first place. That would probably be best.