Report: Wrong-way driver on Ohio 2 arrested

MARGARETTA TWP. — A Fremont man was arrested late Monday after a deputy reportedly found him driving the wrong way on Ohio 2. The 65-year-old was arrested for operating a vehicle under the influence and driving the wrong way on a one-way street, both misdemeanors. At about 11:30 p.m., Erie County dispatchers received multiple calls about a wrong-way driver on Ohio 2. The man was reportedly driving westbound in the eastbound lanes, according to an Erie County Sheriff's Office report. The driver was reported to be east of Ohio 101. A deputy positioned himself on the Ohio 101 overpass and soon spotted the driver. The deputy gave chase and activated his emergency lights and siren. He reportedly observed several drivers swerve to avoid hitting the wrong-way driver head-on, the report states. The driver soon noticed the emergency lights and pulled over near the U.S. 6 exit. When the deputy approached the driver, he noted that he detected an overwhelming odor of burnt marijuana. When the deputy told the man why he initiated the traffic stop, the man reportedly responded, "No way," stating his disbelief that he was driving the wrong way. He claimed he had just left an Ohio State watch party. The man reportedly said he was looking for Ohio 412. When the deputy asked him where he thought he was, the man allegedly said, "no idea." When asked about the consumption of intoxicants, the man reportedly said he only smoked, "one joint." He later admitted that was more than he usually imbibes, the report states. The driver supposedly claimed his exit was "right there," referring to the U.S. 6 Fremont/Sandusky exit." The deputy once again told the man he was driving in the wrong lanes. The realization finally dawned on him, according to the report. He allegedly replied, "Oh lord." The man was walked through field sobriety tests and was then arrested for OVI. On the way to jail, the man reportedly admitted he was too impaired to drive, but he "needed to get home." At the jail, he allegedly refused to provide a urine sample and was placed under administrative license suspension. His license was seized, he was given his paperwork and booked into the jail. His case is not yet listed in the Sandusky Municipal Court's online record system.