TROY, Mich. – A 33-year-old Shelby Township man is accused of driving while "super drunk" with his 4-year-old daughter in the vehicle.
Troy police say Nathan Michael Burns had a blood alcohol level of .20, more than twice the legal limit of .08, when he was pulled over near Big Beaver and Rochester roads early Monday morning.
Police say Burns' vehicle was swerving and an officer found him after a concerned citizen reported a suspected drunken driver. The officer says he appeared disoriented, smelled of alcohol and had watery eyes and slurred speech. In addition to his daughter, two dogs also were passengers in the car, police said.
According to police, Burns told the officer he had consumed eight beers that night. He failed a sobriety test and was arrested. His daughter and dogs were turned over to a family member.
"He was taking the daughter to her mom for a surprise. The surprise was more on him, I guess. He was taken out of the car, given a sobriety test, which he failed," said Troy police Capt. Robert Redmond.
Burns faces an operating while under the influence of liquor charge, his 3rd such offense. Moreover, he faces a child endangerment charge. His bond, which he has posted, was set at $10,000. He was tethered upon his release from the Oakland County Jail.
Burns' high blood alcohol level means he can be charged under the state of Michigan's "super drunk" law. The law applies to any driver with a blood alcohol level of more than .17. Burns can face tougher penalties if convicted since this is not his first such offense.
Family tell Local 4 Burns is beginning rehab.
Redmond says if anyone sees a potential drunken driver, call it in.
"We don't give up. We find them. We arrest them. This is Troy, that's what we do," Redmond said.