Drunken Malvern Driver Stopped by Witnesses, Police Say

The following information was supplied by Newtown Township Police. Any arrests or charges mentioned do not indicate guilt or conviction.

Witnesses assisted in stopping a drunken Malvern man from driving recklessly in Newtown Township, police said.

On April 27, at about 7:47 p.m., police were dispatched to the area of South Newtown Street Road for a report of a reckless and possibly intoxicated driver, according to the police report.

Witnesses reported that a black Toyota was northbound, traveling in the opposing lane of traffic and almost caused several head-on collisions. More witnesses reported that the Toyota had stopped on South Newtown Street Road at West Chester Pike and several bystanders had the Toyota blocked in, according to the report.

Police arrived and found the Toyota stopped in the left lane with the driver inside.

Witnesses told police they had been following the Toyota as it traveled northbound on South Newtown Street Road and watched as the car drift into the opposing lane of traffic, just missing striking several other vehicles, several times, according to the report.

Fearing the driver would kill someone, witnesses in front of the Toyota prevented it from traveling any further and waited for police to arrive, according to the report. 

While police spoke with the driver, a 71-year-old Malvern man, it was obvious he was highly intoxicated, according to the report.

Police detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his breath and his person. He was unable to form a complete sentence and was unable to answer any of the simple questions asked of him, according to the report.

Police attempted to administer a Portable Breath Test to determine his blood alcohol level, but after several failed attempts it was obvious the man was either unwilling or unable to provide a sufficient breath sample, according to the report.

Police had the man exit the vehicle to conduct field sobriety testing and, as soon as he stepped from the vehicle, it was determined he was unable to perform any of the tests as he was unable to stand unassisted and leaned up against the car to prevent himself from falling over, according to the report.

The man was arrested and charged with driving under the influence and careless driving, according to the report. He was transported to Springfield Hospital to have blood drawn.