Man Arrested For DUI While Paying His Open Container Fine
A 25-year-old man in Philipsburg, Montana was arrested for driving under the influence after driving to the Granite County Courthouse and Sheriff’s Office to pay an open container fine and file a complaint.
While waiting for assistance, Sheriff Rico Barkell noticed the man appeared to be intoxicated.
When asked if he had driven to the office, the man reportedly replied “yes” in disbelief.
According to authorities, when asked about his alcohol consumption, the man said — in slurred speech — that he had consumed “two drinks” and smoked two bowls of marijuana that day.
The investigation was turned over to Granite County Undersheriff Chris Robinson.
The man agreed to a preliminary breath test, which showed results three times the legal limit. Deputies also discovered an open container in his vehicle.
He was charged with:
- Aggravated DUI
- Open container violation
The Granite County Sheriff’s Office later issued a statement on Facebook:
“As a public service announcement, if you drive to the Sheriff’s Office intoxicated (alcohol or drugs), you will be arrested for DUI. If you drive here with a suspended or no license, you will get a ticket. If you enter the Sheriff’s Office with a warrant, you will be arrested.
If you decide to drink excessively or smoke marijuana, DO NOT DRIVE. Call for a ride, the Sheriff’s Office will be happy to help. If you live in one of our county towns, please walk if you are able; in all of our towns, you can walk across in 15-20 mins. Stupidity is not an excuse!”
