Preston Man Charged With Drunken Driving on 21st Birthday

A Preston man accused of drunken driving on his 21st birthday is facing charges after leading police on a chase through Columbia and Willimantic, authorities said.

Jackob Tate’s blood alcohol content was more than twice the legal limit and there were open bottles of alcohol in the car, according to Willimantic police.

Tate, of Prodell Road in Preston, was driving his green pickup the wrong way on Route 6 in Windham around 8:45 p.m. on March 3, police said. It was Tate's birthday.

Officers searched the area and found him driving in circles in a parking lot near Route 6 and Route 66 in Columbia, Willimantic police said. When they tried to stop him, Tate sped back up and turned east onto Route 66.

The chase continued into Willimantic, with Tate reportedly speeding and weaving in and out of oncoming traffic. He finally stopped on Columbia Avenue near Recycling Way in Willimantic, according to police.

Tate tried to get out but officers stopped him and arrested him at the scene. Police searched the truck to find two open bottles of alcohol inside.

Tate was charged with driving under the influence, reckless driving and drinking while driving.

He was held on a $1,500 bond and appeared in court today.

“With the absolutely unsafe and hazardous driving witnessed by the Willimantic Officers and the reports we received from the State Police, it’s miraculous that this incident didn’t end in a serious accident,” said Willimantic Police Corporal Matthew Solak, in a statement.

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