A driver in Springfield, Colorado, attempted to evade a DUI arrest with the classic excuse “My dog did it” by switching places with his canine companion during a traffic stop.
According to a Facebook post by the Springfield Police Department, the incident began on the night of May 13 when an officer pulled over a man for driving at 52 mph in a 30-mph zone.
As the officer approached the vehicle, he observed the driver maneuvering inside the car before emerging from the passenger side. The driver then attempted to convince police that it was not him but his dog who was behind the wheel at the time.
“The driver attempted to switch places with his dog … as the SPD officer approached and watched the entire process,” the SPD stated.
The officer did not buy the absurd excuse. It was apparent that the man was also under the influence of alcohol. When questioned about his alcohol consumption, the suspect attempted to run away from the officer. His escape was short-lived, as the determined officer apprehended him within a mere 20 yards of the vehicle.
It turns out that navigating on unfamiliar roads was not the driver’s strong suit, as he confessed to being lost in Springfield while driving from Las Animas to Pueblo. To top it off, police eventually ran a search on the man and found that he had not one but two active warrants for his arrest from Pueblo.
In the end, the driver racked up multiple charges, including driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, driving while ability impaired, driving under suspension, speeding 20–24 mph over the limit and resisting arrest.
With the driver safely in custody, the police took a lighthearted approach in handling the canine passenger. The dog was entrusted to the care of an acquaintance while its owner served his time behind bars.
“The dog does not face any charges and was let go with just a warning,” the SPD quipped.
The post elicited funny reactions from netizens, with one person commenting: “I’m glad the officer quickly worked out who was a good boy, and who wasn’t.”