Waterford Man Charged With Third Drunk Driving Offense

WATERFORD TWP. (WWJ) - A 69-year-old Waterford Township man is facing drunk driving charges for the third time.

Thomas Barnett was arraigned Thursday in 51st District Court on one felony count of operating while under the influence of alcohol -- third offense. He was later released from the Oakland County Jail after posting the $5,000 10 percent cash bond.

Police say the charge stems from an accident that occurred around 11:40 p.m. Wednesday in the area of Nelsey and Bridge roads in Waterford.

Arriving officers spoke with a witness, an off-duty police officer from a neighboring community, who said he was traveling northbound on Williams Lake Road near Maceday Lake Road he observed a blue GMC Envoy drive off the road and strike a mailbox.

The witness said he then observed the vehicle continue to drive northbound, drifting back and forth in the lane and driving off the roadway several more times before stopping on Nelsey Road for a flat tire.

The witness contacted Waterford police and then spoke with the driver, later identified as Barnett. The witness told police he could smell alcohol on Barnett's breath.

Police arrived on the scene and arrested Barnett without incident.