DUI charges filed against area man

A Belle Vernon man is charged with DUI after allegedly brake checking another car on Fayette Avenue.

Robert Anderson, 50, is charged with DUI-general impairment (fourth offense), DUI-highest rate of alcohol (second offense) and reckless driving stemming from the March 23 incident, court records state.

In a police station parking lot, two cars pulled in next to a police officer, including Anderson’s Honda station wagon, according to an affidavit of probable cause. The other driver told officers that Anderson was brake checking him, and Anderson said the other driver was following closely.

According to the criminal complaint, Anderson had “very slurred speech and sounded intoxicated.” He also had a strong odor of alcohol on him, red/glossy eyes and he stated he had a few drinks, according to police.

The drivers were separated after they were arguing in the parking lot, court records state. Anderson was asked to step out of the vehicle to take a sobriety test, and was stumbling during the heel and toe test, according to police, who said he also declined a blood alcohol test because he said he knew he would not pass the test.

Anderson was arraigned Monday, and a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Kausunic is scheduled for 3 p.m. April 17. Anderson posted his $5,000 bail.