WESH
CLAY COUNTY, Fla. — A man facing a DUI charge told law enforcement officers it was not alcohol, but his pet squirrel that caused him to swerve along U.S. Highway 17 Saturday night.
Clay County deputies pulled over Warren Michael over the weekend when they noticed his erratic driving. They say he was speeding and swerving along the road, nearly hitting two cars.
Michael apparently didn’t contest his poor maneuvering, but told law enforcement it pet squirrel that caused it.
Deputies did find a squirrel crawling on Michael when they pulled him over, but they say he showed other signs of intoxication – including slurred speech and bloodshot eyes.
Michael’s girlfriend drove to meet him and officers at the traffic stop so she could bring the squirrel home.
In an interview with another news organization, Michael admitted to having a few drinks and said he has learned from the experience.
Michael and his girlfriend have renamed the squirrel “DUI” (pronounced Dewey).
Reprinted with permission from WESH.com