JEFFERSON COUNTY, Pa. (WJAC) — Police say an Sigel man is facing drunk driving charges after reportedly operating an Amish horse and buggy in a “reckless manner.”
According to the Brookville Police Department, 20-year-old Ray Byler faces a misdemeanor driving under the influence and was also cited for careless and reckless driving.
Police say they were patrolling the area of Main Street Sunday when they passed an Amish horse and buggy.
Officers noted that they had previously received reports about a horse and buggy driving in a “reckless manner” earlier in the day, but were unable to locate the horse and buggy at that time.
Police say they began following the horse and buggy and watched as it went around a turn and sped up as Byler, who was operating the vehicle, locked the brakes and slid the wheels sending sparks flying.
According to police, officers continued to follow the buggy until Byler pulled over to let the officers pass.
That’s when police say they asked Byler if he was okay and he responded with slurred speech saying he was trying to let the officers go around his buggy.
When police asked Byler if he’d been drinking, they say Byler told them he had a “couple of beers.”
Officers noted that Byler smelled like alcohol so they made him do a field sobriety test.
Byler told police that the horse was skittish so they allowed Byler to remain by the animal’s side until a family member could come care for it while officers took Byler to a local hospital for a blood draw, which they say he refused.
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