‘Reckless’ Amish buggy driver accused of DUI tells Pa. cops he ‘had a couple beers’

The horse-drawn buggy was being driven so recklessly the wheels were throwing sparks, Pennsylvania police said. When they pulled it over, the man driving it told police he “had a couple of beers,” resulting in his arrest for DUI.

As WJAC-TV in Johnstown reports, the driver is identified as 20-year-old Ray Byler of Sigel, Jefferson County.

Byler faces a misdemeanor driving under the influence charge and was also cited for careless and reckless driving. This, after Brookville Police said they observed the Amish horse and buggy he was driving being operated in a “reckless manner.”

Police say they began following the horse and buggy and watched as it sped up while rounding a turn. Byler then locked the buggy’s brakes and slid the wheels, sending sparks flying, WJAC writes, citing the police report.

Officers continued to follow the buggy until Byler pulled over to let the officers pass, WJAC writes, adding: That’s when police say they asked Byler if he was OK and he responded with slurred speech.

When police asked Byler if he’d been drinking, they said Byler told them he had a “couple of beers.” Byler smelled like alcohol, police added.

During a field sobriety test, the horse was skittish so police said they allowed Byler to remain by the animal’s side until a family member could come care for it, WJAC notes.

Police then took Byler to a local hospital for a blood draw, which they said he refused.