Erratic driving through Butler Township store parking lot brings DUI charges
A Butler man is facing a slew of charges after officials said he drove erratically through a Walmart in Butler Township parking lot and fled police.
Township police charged Wesley E. Davis, 66, on Thursday, April 20, with felony fleeing an officer, misdemeanors driving under the influence, resisting arrest and reckless endangerment for a disturbance March 27.
Around 8:30 p.m., callers reported to 911 that a black truck was running over curbs and sidewalks while entering the store’s parking lot at Butler Commons. Police said the driver would accelerate and blow the horn if approached.
The caller then told dispatchers the driver drove into a cart holder and continued hitting the accelerator. When police arrived, two people were observed near the truck. The truck then took off, nearly striking one person.
Officers said they pursued the vehicle as it traveled over a raised sidewalk and onto New Castle Road. It then turned onto North Duffy Road and stopped for traffic traveling on Route 68.
An officer approached the stopped truck and attempted to open the door. The truck moved forward a few feet, and on second attempt, the officer opened the vehicle’s door and shifted it into park.
The driver, later identified as Davis, screamed “no” at the officer as he parked the truck, documents showed.
Police said Davis resisted being taken into custody. The affidavit described him as slurring his speech, smelling of alcohol and being unable to walk without the aid of officers.
Due to his condition, the investigating officer said Davis did not complete the field sobriety tests.
Davis continued swearing and yelling, according to police and was transported to Butler Memorial Hospital for a blood test.
While being treated, police said Davis was noncompliant with medical staff and continued yelling and swearing. He then refused a blood test.
Officers then took Davis to Butler Township Police Department, where he continued his “aggressive and hostile behavior” toward officers.
Two partially consumed bottles of vodka were found in the vehicle, according to police.
Davis’ preliminary hearing has not yet been scheduled.
