Off-Duty Police Officer Stops Driver Going the Wrong Way on the Interstate

An off duty campus police officer from UNG Charlotte noticed a man going the wrong way on interstate 85 towards Rowan County Sunday.

Officer Alan Bridges was headed to work on interstate 85 when he first spotted the man. Without hesitation Alan Bridges turned his vehicle around and attempted to stop the driver, Himansu Arora. According to Bridges, “He just honked a few times. He wouldn't stop and I could see in the distance there were a few cars coming our way.”

Bridges notified the Charlotte Police Department to tell them he was attempting to apprehend Himansu Arora. After another few failed attempts Bridges got in front of the Arora’s vehicle and forced him to slow to a stop. Once the vehicle was stopped Bridges detained Arora on interstate 85.

The Charlotte Police Department arrested Arora for a DWI. Thankfully, due to the quick responsiveness of Alan Bridges, no one was hurt in the incident.

It is not all that uncommon for drunk drivers to drive their vehicles the wrong way on the roadways. When you have been drinking, your reflexes and logic skills are impaired and it is possible for drunk drivers to miss roadway signs and get confused easily on off and on ramps.

Unfortunately, car accidents caused by the bad decisions made by a drunk driver can happen in an instant. Often the only warning other drivers will have is the headlights of the oncoming car. If you find yourself in a situation like this the best thing you can do to protect yourself is to slow down and get to the farthest lane away from the oncoming driver. Attempting to swerve, flash your lights, or honk may panic the driver traveling the wrong way and cause a car accident. Once you have passed the driver successfully, notify 9-1-1 responders immediately.

AC