The Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested a 37-year-old man on suspicion of driving while intoxicated after his car ran off the road and overturned in a ditch in northwest Columbia on Saturday night, Trooper Kyle Green said.
James Lafoe, of Auxvasse, was reportedly returning from work on Route Z near Maupin Lane when his blue 1994 Saturn SC-2 veered off the left side of the road into a ditch and overturned, coming to rest on the driver’s side door, Green said.
Lafoe was taken by ambulance to University Hospital, where he was treated for moderate injuries including abrasions to the face and eye, and minor cuts and scratches, Green said. Damage to the car was reported as total.
Empty beer cans were found in the car, and Lafoe admitted to Green that he drank a six-pack of beer before taking the wheel in addition to drinking while driving, according to Green. Lafoe was arrested at the hospital after blood tests confirmed that he was intoxicated, and he will face charges after recovery, Green said.
LaFoe previously served time for charges involving alcohol abuse and carelessness in a motor vehicle.