When Sterling Heights police pulled over Michael Axelson, they expected to see if he was driving under the influence, not show off his inner gymnast. Police attempted to conduct a field sobriety test on the 53-year-old Madison Heights resident, but to prove he was not intoxicated, he did the splits.
Lt. Mario Bastianelli said the incident began when officers pulled over a white van at 1:15 a.m. Sept. 19 in the area of Ryan and 15 Mile roads. In a dashcam video from police, one of officers greets Axelson at the driver's side window and asks him if he has a license or an ID. The man admits he has neither.
"How much have had to drink tonight?" asked the officer.
"Not enough where I shouldn't be driving, sir," Axelson said, slurring his words.
He then becomes incoherent, unable to answer the officer's question about where he was coming from. After getting Axelson's name and date of birth, the two officers have him get out of the van.
"Think're in any condition to do some field sobriety tests for me real quick?" one of them asked Axelson.
"If want me to, I will," Axelson said.
The officer orders him to walk in a straight line. He then asks Axelson if he has any legs injuries.
"I don't think so, I can go like this," he said, breaking out into the splits.
"That's very impressive," one of the officers says.
After several attempts to take a Breathalyzer test, Axelson tested more than three times over the legal limit. Police said Axelson was charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated and driving with a suspended license. He has a history of drunken driving, as this is his eighth incident.
Axelson has since been released on a $5,000 bond.