DUI, Open Container Activities Curbed in Tulare

Joe Villa Ramirez, 41, of 400 S. Blackstone #129 in Tulare, was behind the wheel in the early morning on February 1, but was having trouble staying on the straight and narrow.

Tulare Police Officer Derogee caught sight of Ramirez, a field worker, when Ramirez drove his vehicle up over the curb of the road, according to a Tulare Police report. Officer Derogee then saw Ramirez’s vehicle weave within his lane on Bardsley Avenue.

When Officer Derogee pulled Ramirez over, there was an open 12 oz can of Bud Light in the vehicle, according to Tulare Police. Officer Derogee administered the field sobriety tests on Ramirez, but Ramirez didn’t perform up to a passing standard. A breath test of Ramirez’s alcohol level indicated he had a .259 blood alcohol level — more than three times the legal limit.

Ramirez was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, driving without a license, and having an open container of alcohol in the car, according to the Tulare Police Department.