A man on probation in Missouri is accused of a variety of violations after being found drunk on a horse with a child that was not his. The man is not facing a formal DWI charge in the matter. Authorities have instead arrested the man for public intoxication and child endangerment.
Although it might sound strange for a drunk man to end up on a horse with a 3-year-old boy, there is a somewhat reasonable explanation. The man had met up with the child’s father because he was interested in purchasing a horse for his own son. The owner allowed his son and the man to ride over to the man’s house. The father got a work-related phone call and stopped following the pair.
It was about 8 p.m. when authorities received a call about a drunk man on a horse with the child. It appears that the man attempted to leave the child at several houses, as he was disoriented and confused. The man was arrested when officers found him with slurred speech and smelling of alcohol. He admitted to drinking alcohol at 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., according to authorities. He had picked up the horse at 3 p.m., according to reports.
The man is on probation for child endangerment. The child in this case was taken into state custody pending an evaluation of his home.
Even though this man was not charged with a formal DWI offense, his alleged alcohol-related behavior could have penalties and potential consequences. He is currently being held on a $50,100 bond in the Tulsa County Jail. Criminal defendants with non-traditional DWI cases may benefit from the expertise of a qualified Missouri attorney. These professionals can help clients learn more about the difference between public intoxication and DWI charges, for example.
Source: Huffington Post, “Dennis Byers Accused Of Riding Horse With Toddler While Drunk” David Moye, Jan. 22, 2014