Convicted Drunk Driver Charged With Third OWI

HARRISON TWP. (WWJ) - Police say a 44-year-old man who has four prior drunk-driving related arrests and convictions just can't stay off the road after knocking a few back.

Francis Mueller, of Macomb Township, was arraigned Thursday in 41B District Court on charges of operating while intoxicated -- third offence, and resisting and obstructing arrest.

Police say they started receiving multiple calls around 5:15 p.m. Wednesday about a black Honda Odyssey that was "swerving all over the road" on Gratiot Avenue near Metropolitan Parkway. Callers told police the vehicle was about to get onto I-94 and deputies quickly sprung into action.

Deputies caught up with the vehicle on the I-94 exit ramp to North River Road and initiated a traffic stop. Upon being questioned, Mueller told the deputies he was on the way to get his daughters.

In a police report, deputies say Mueller appeared lethargic and could not walk without assistance. Fearing he may be suffering from a medical condition, EMS personnel were summoned to the scene.

Once cleared by medical personnel, it was apparent that Mueller was "highly intoxicated," according to police. He was handcuffed but when deputies tried to place him in the patrol vehicle, he resisted. Mueller was finally subdued after police deployed a Taser.

Police say Mueller refused to perform a breathalyzer test, so they obtained a search warrant to draw blood in order to determine his blood alcohol concentration -- the results of which were not immediately released.

Mueller was taken to McLaren Hospital in Mt. Clemens before being booked in the Macomb County Jail.

Mueller, who was given a $10,000 personal bond, is due back in court on April 9.