A Richmond man was caught behind the wheel in an intoxicated state thanks to the vigilance of an off-duty police officer.

On January 18th at approximately 1:43 a.m. Deputy S. Waheed responded to Joshua Road for a drunk driver complaint. An off-duty Fairfax County Police Officer observed a Toyota in the middle of the road. The police officer further advised the suspect driver was slumped over and the vehicle was in drive. The only thing preventing the vehicle from rolling off was the driver’s foot on the brake.

With the assistance of the police officer, and additional deputies, the vehicle was boxed in just in case the suspect quickly woke up and drove off. That wouldn’t be necessary as it turns out, for deputies were able to enter the vehicle, put it in park, and turn the engine off all while the driver continued to dream. When deputies did enter the vehicle, they were immediately struck with the heavy odor of an alcoholic beverage.

When the driver finally finished his dream, deputies discovered the heavy odor of an alcoholic beverage was fuming from his breath. The driver would also have slurred speech and glassy, bloodshot eyes.

The 43-year-old driver was charged with driving under the influence, stopping on a roadway, and refusal. Due to his level of intoxication a bond hearing could not be held. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail pending his ability to participate.

Thank you to the off-duty officer for your assistance taking another drunk driver off of Stafford County’s roads. Remember, drive sober or get pulled over.