Man Passed Out Behind The Wheel Of Running SUV, Still In Gear: Cops

MANCHESTER, NH — A local man was arrested this week on charges after a police officer reportedly found him passed out behind the wheel of an SUV on Mammoth Road in Manchester. Omari Peterson, 35, of Manchester, was arrested on Aug. 6, 2017, and charged with possession of a controlled drug-marijuana, resisting arrest or detention, violation of bail conditions, and endangering the welfare of a child. At just past 11 p.m. on Sunday night, an officer was called to the intersection of Lake Avenue and Mammoth Road for a report of an unconscious man behind the wheel, according to Lt. Brian O’Keefe of the Manchester Police Department.

Editor’s Note: This post was derived from information supplied by the Manchester Police Department. It does not indicate a conviction. This link explains the name removal request process for NH Patch police reports.

The officer arrived at the scene and approached the 2017 Nissan Armada – which had its engine running – and reportedly observed Peterson “passed out behind the wheel,” according to O’Keefe. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Bedford NH Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

“(The officer) also located a young child who was also sleeping inside of the running vehicle,” O’Keefe alleged. “The unconscious man had his foot on the brake pedal while the vehicle was still in ‘drive.’ The officer woke the man as he proceeded to open the driver’s door and turn off the vehicle.”

Peterson was ordered out of the vehicle – “on multiple occasions” – but he allegedly failed to comply. Peterson was later removed from the vehicle and arrested.

During the process of being arrested, the officer allegedly located a quarter of an ounce of marijuana, so a drug charge was added to Peterson’s docket. A family friend was called to take possession of the girl, who was 9, according to O’Keefe.

Peterson was arrested, held, and arraigned yesterday.