Man arrested for 5th DWI after crash on Texas interstate
AUSTIN (KXAN) – Michael Chandler, 56, was arrested by Austin police April 29 on his fifth DWI charge after he caused a crash on I-35 involving three vehicles. His blood alcohol level was 0.262; the legal limit in Texas in 0.08.
A witness told officers, Chandler was seen driving a Ford F-150 southbound on I-35 weaving in and out of the shoulder and outside lane. Traveling behind Chandler, the witness called 911 fearing for the public’s safety, according to the affidavit.
While he was on the phone with 911 at 11:14 p.m., the witness said he saw Chandler hit the back of stopped trailer off to the side of the road. The trailer driver told officers he was checking to make sure the load he was hauling was secure when a Ford F-150 collided with the trailer.
The crash caused the Ford to spin out into the middle lanes colliding with a Red Kia. Both the driver and the passenger of the Kia said the Ford F-150 did not attempt to hit the brakes before the crash. Officers noted there were not visible skid marks near the crashes.
In the affidavit, police noted Chandler was swaying, confused, crying and smelled of alcohol. Inside the Ford, officer found a 24 pack of Bud Light with numerous cans littered throughout the vehicle. Chandler admitted to drinking two beers around 5 p.m.
He faces a third degree felony for driving while intoxicated and is being held on a $50,000 bond.