Michigan: White Lake police officer helping turtle cross road almost hit by suspected drunken driver

A Davisburg man is facing potential charges after nearly hitting a White Lake Township police officer who was helping a turtle cross the road, local authorities say. An officer at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 6 spotted a large turtle crossing eastbound Pontiac Lake Road, near Kingston, and stopped to help the animal, as it was also backing up traffic on the roadway.

As the officer was getting out of his patrol car, he heard tires screeching behind him, according to police reports. The officer then approached the driver of the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire and determined the Davisburg man, 52, showed signs of intoxication.

The man failed sobriety tests and an initial Breathalyzer test at the scene showed he had a blood-alcohol content of 0.218, nearly three times the legal limit for operating a vehicle. The man was arrested and released, pending issuance of warrants. It was the man’s third drunken driving offense, officials report.

The investigation into the incident remains open.