Drunken Driver Swerves Into Oncoming Traffic: Riverside Police

RIVERSIDE, IL — A drunken man was arrested late Wednesday night after an officer spotted him crossing into the opposing lane of traffic, Riverside police said Friday. After he was taken into custody, the man told officers, "This is why people hate the cops and want to shoot them," according to a news release.

Daniel Jesus Del Raso, 25, of Mesa, Ariz., was driving in the 2500 block of South Harlem Avenue when he crossed the double yellow lines into oncoming traffic, causing other drivers to swerve to avoid a crash, police said.

When the officer finally stopped the man at Harlem and 26th Street, Del Raso's 2005 Dodge van began to jerk as if he would start to go, then slam on the brakes, police said. This continued for several minutes.

When the officer asked the driver for his license and proof of insurance, Del Raso, mumbled, had a strong odor of alcohol and could barely keep his eyes open, the news release said. Del Raso failed roadside DUI tests and had an open container of alcohol with a shot glass inside the car, police said.

Once in central booking, police said Del Raso became combative and belligerent, which is when he made his statement about people's desire to shoot officers. In an email to Patch, Riverside Police Chief Tom Weitzel said he perceived Del Raso's statement as a threat, even though Del Raso was drunk.

Del Raso told officers he was visiting his sister in Chicago and thought he had arrived at her house on Chicago's South Laflin Street when he stopped for the officer, police said. His sister lived 13 miles away from where he was stopped.

Del Raso was charged with DUI, improper operation of a motor vehicle, driving in the wrong lane, transportation of open alcohol and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Del Raso was released to a family member after posting bond.