A 27-year-old man in Maine found an unusual way to avoid taking a breathalyzer test when a police officer suspected he was under the influence — punching himself in the face.
On January 13, according to the Pen Bay Pilot, Brian Fogg dropped off a female friend at a residence, then tried to leave in his vehicle, but wound up driving into a ditch. Police Sgt. Matthew Cook said the driveway was long and winding and slick, as it was raining. Fogg then returned to the residence, whereupon he and the owner confronted each other, prompting Fogg to strike and dent the homeowner’s vehicle.
Officer Lew Dyer IV, who responded to the situation after an alert from the homeowner, suspected Fogg was under the influence and asked him to take a breathalyzer test. Fogg then punched himself in the face three times, possibly to bring blood into his mouth. Cook told the PenBay Pilot blood on the mouth can lead to unreliable breathalyzer results.
Fogg also refused a blood alcohol test. WGME reported that police eschewed giving Fogg any test and instead treated his injuries. Fogg was charged with operating under the influence, falsifying physical evidence and criminal mischief. He has been released on bail.