Colo. man pulled over for drunk driving allegedly told police his dog was at the wheel

SPRINGFIELD, Colo. (TCD) -- A man had a ruff time talking his way out of an arrest after he was pulled over for speeding and tried to blame the entire incident on his dog.

On Saturday, May 13, at 11:30 p.m., a Springfield Police Department officer conducted a traffic stop on a car traveling 52 mph in a 30 mph zone. As the officer approached, the driver, who was not identified, allegedly "attempted to switch places with his dog, who was in the passenger seat."

The officer who pulled the man over reportedly witnessed the entire seat exchange.

The man allegedly claimed he wasn’t at the wheel and "showed clear signs of intoxication." When the officer asked him how much he had had to drink, the driver fled. The officer apprehended him about 20 yards from the car.

According to the statement, the man got lost while driving from Las Animas to Pueblo and ended up in Springfield. Police also learned the alleged driver had two active warrants for his arrest out of Pueblo.

The Baca County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the scene and assisted with the suspect, who was taken to the hospital and medically cleared. Deputies booked him into the Baca County Jail on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, driving while ability impaired, driving under suspension, speeding 20-24 over, resisting arrest, and the two other warrants.

The Springfield Police Department noted the dog was placed in the care of an acquaintance while its owner was in custody. According to police, "The dog does not face any charges and was let go with just a warning."

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