A Midland man is facing multiple charges after he was apprehended for allegedly driving under the influence, at a high rate of speed, while also carrying a loaded firearm. The 27-year-old, whose name is being withheld until his arraignment, had reportedly left a Northern Michigan winery before being spotted by police. According to a report by ABC12, the winery staff initiated a 911 call just past 6:25 p.m. upon the suspect's departure from their establishment located on Peninsula Drive in Grand Traverse County.
Acting on the winery's tip, Michigan State Police troopers began their search and soon observed the man driving at an excessive speed of 99 mph. In a statement obtained by upnorthlive.com, "Troopers located the suspect vehicle traveling 99 mph southbound on Peninsula Drive." After initiating a traffic stop, the ensuing investigation confirmed the driver was indeed operating his vehicle under the influence.
The incident escalated when troopers subsequently discovered a 9mm handgun in the vehicle. As mentioned by 9and10news, the firearm was loaded, which compounds the gravity of the offenses. The driver was arrested and now faces serious legal repercussions including charges of operating while intoxicated, and possession of a firearm while intoxicated.
After the arrest, the Midland man was taken to the Grand Traverse County Jail, where he was lodged pending arraignment. Further updates are expected to be released following the suspect's arraignment and subsequent legal proceedings.
