BACA COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a driver, who was pulled over for speeding and tried to switch places with his dog to avoid arrest.
Just 11:30 p.m. Sunday, police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling at 52 miles per hour in a posted 30 mile per hour zone near 7th and Main Street, according to a media release from Springfield Colorado Police.
The driver attempted to switch places with his dog who was in the passenger seat, as the officer approached and watched the entire process.
The man then exited the passenger side of the vehicle and claimed he was not driving. The man showed clear signs of intoxication and when asked about his alcohol consumption he ran from the officer.
The officer apprehended the driver quickly within about 20 yards of the vehicle. It was discovered that he was driving from Las Animas to Pueblo and got lost in Springfield.
The man also was found to have two active warrants for his arrest out of Pueblo. The Baca County Sheriff's deputies arrived and assisted with the incident and the man party was medically cleared at the hospital and then booked into the Baca County Jail for his warrants and requested charges of Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, Driving while ability impaired, driving under suspension, speeding 20-24 over, and resisting arrest.
The dog was given to an acquaintance of the driver to take care of while the man was in jail. The police department also reported, "the dog does not face any charges and was let go with just a warning." Springfield is located approximately two hours west of Garden City, Kansas.