Minneapolis Man With 21 DWIs Arrested Again On NYE: Police

MINNEAPOLIS — A Minneapolis man with a staggering history of drunk driving is behind bars after yet another incident on New Year’s Eve, according to the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office.

Michael Bowser, 69, drunkely fled a traffic stop in Brooklyn Center, crashed his vehicle, and attempted to escape on foot before being arrested, authorities said. Bowser now faces charges of first-degree DWI and fleeing police. Court records reveal he has 21 prior DWI convictions.

If convicted, he faces up to seven years in prison and a $14,000 fine.

The incident began on Dec. 31, when officers on routine patrol near Brooklyn Boulevard and Osseo Road observed a black 2002 Ford F-150 traveling at 55-60 mph in a 35-mph zone.

As officers positioned their squad car to initiate a traffic stop, the driver, later identified as Bowser, began erratically changing lanes, according to the criminal complaint.

Bowser eventually pulled over, opened his door, and swung his legs out of the vehicle. When officers approached, he admitted he did not have proof of insurance but claimed to have a driver’s license. Officers detected a strong odor of alcohol on his breath, but Bowser denied consuming any alcohol that night, prosecutors said.

A routine check revealed Bowser’s driver’s license had been canceled as inimical to public safety. When officers informed him he was under arrest, Bowser got back into his truck, put it in drive, and sped off, reaching speeds of 70-80 mph, according to the criminal complaint.

The pursuit was discontinued for safety reasons, but Bowser soon crashed his vehicle. After a brief foot chase, officers apprehended him.

According to the criminal complaint, Bowser had defecated and urinated on himself, and officers noted a strong smell of alcohol on his breath. A search warrant was obtained for his urine, with test results still pending.