Stafford County, VA — A 66-year-old man from Fredericksburg attempted to avoid a DUI charge by switching seats with his passenger but was ultimately unsuccessful.
On May 31 at approximately 5:50 p.m., Deputy J.L. Jones observed a blue Nissan swerving across both southbound lanes on Richmond Highway near Rappahannock Regional Jail. As the vehicle nearly struck two separate cars, Deputy Jones received a dispatch report of a drunk driver complaint regarding the same vehicle.
Deputy Jones conducted a traffic stop near Sage Lane, where both occupants exited the vehicle and switched seats. Despite their attempt, Deputy Jones witnessed the switch and approached the vehicle.
The original driver, now in the passenger seat, exhibited a strong odor of alcohol and provided three different, fictitious identities. His true identity revealed a suspended license due to a prior DUI. He admitted to consuming “two beers,” and an open can of Four Loko was found in the vehicle.
The driver was charged with driving under the influence, driving after license forfeiture, falsely identifying himself to law enforcement, a traffic lane violation, drinking while driving, and refusal to comply. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.