Holdrege Man Arrested for 5th Offense DUI

(Kearney, Neb.) -- A Holdrege man has been arrested for 5th offense driving under the influence after an alleged motorcycle accident in Kearney on Sunday, August 29, 2021.

According to an arrest probable cause affidavit, officers from the Kearney Police Department were dispatched to 210 4th Ave in regards to a motorcycle crash in which the reporting person believed the motorcyclist driver was intoxicated. When the officer arrived, the driver had already departed the scene. A witness was able to provide the driver's description to the responding officer.

Michael Anderson, 29. Booking photo courtesy of Buffalo County Jail

A short time later, officers found the male in a nearby parking lot. The male has been identified as Michael Anderson of Holdrege. When the responding officers contacted Anderson, he allegedly stated that he had been driving the motorcycle, wrecked, and then parked. The officer states in the affidavit that Anderson had slurred speech, watery bloodshot eyes, had troubles keeping his balance, and vomited several times.

In the probable cause affidavit, the officer says that he could detect the odor of alcohol on the suspect. Anderson refused to be transported to the hospital after being seen by EMTs.

Anderson allegedly stated that he had consumed a large amount of alcohol after the crash. A witness disputed Anderson's statement.

Anderson has previously been convicted of driving under the influence in June 2014, June 2017, November 2017, and December 2020. He was paroled from the Nebraska State Penitentiary system in June 2021 after being sentenced to 2-6 years for 4th offense DUI in December 2020.

For this incident, Anderson has been charged with 5th Offense DUI (Class 2A Felony), Driving Under Suspension (Class 4 Felony), 5th Offense Refusal to Submit to a Chemical Test (Class 2A Felony), 2nd Offense Leaving the Scene of an Accident (Class 1 Misdemeanor).

If convicted of all charges, Anderson faces a potential maximum of 42 years imprisonment.

Anderson has been ordered to remain in jail pending a $250,000 bond.