An alleged drunken driver led police on a short chase in downtown Black River Falls last week before being stopped.

Todd T. Turnmire, 41, Onalaska, was arrested Nov. 17 and later charged with fourth offenses of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and operating a motor vehicle with a prohibited alcohol concentration. He was also charged with attempting to flee an officer and operating a vehicle with a revoked license.

According to the criminal complaint, police received a tip about 4:35 p.m. that Turnmire was intoxicated and his vehicle was parked behind Moe’s Hardware.

An officer located Turnmire’s Ford Contour when it pulled into an alley and started to back up, nearly striking the patrol vehicle, according to the complaint. Turnmire then reportedly exited the vehicle, leaving it running, and began to walk away when the officer began to question him.

Turnmire was ordered to return to his vehicle and did so, but he refused to turn off the car when asked, according to the complaint. When the officer attempted to take the keys from the ignition, Turnmire reportedly put the vehicle into drive and drove away.

Turnmire then reportedly led authorities on a short chase on N. Water Street, Main Street and N. First. A deputy was able to pull a vehicle in front of Turnmire’s car to end the pursuit.

A breathalyzer test showed Turnmire had a .15 blood alcohol concentration, nearly twice the state’s legal limit of .08. Turnmire had two previous OWI convictions in Clark County in 1991 and another in Trempealeau County in 2008.

Turnmire was released on a $2,500 signature bond and has an initial appearance set for Dec. 8.