Drunk Man Arrested After Flipping SUV on I-71, Fleeing Police

The 28-year-old Cleveland resident resisted arrest and struggled with officers before being taken into custody.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A 28-year-old intoxicated Cleveland man was arrested after flipping his Honda CR-V on Interstate 71 and then fleeing the scene on foot. Police followed his footprints in the snow and found him stumbling and covered in snow. The man initially denied being involved in the crash, but police were able to detain him after a struggle.

Why it matters

Drunk driving incidents on highways can pose a serious threat to public safety, and this case highlights the dangers of intoxicated individuals attempting to flee the scene of an accident. The suspect's resistance to arrest also raises concerns about the potential for escalation during encounters between police and impaired individuals.

The details

According to police, the 28-year-old Cleveland man was driving the Honda CR-V northbound on I-71 when he flipped the vehicle, causing it to come to rest on its roof. When officers arrived, the driver had already left the scene, but a witness directed them to the man's location nearby. Police found the suspect stumbling and covered in snow, and he initially denied being involved in the crash. After a struggle, officers were able to place the man in handcuffs and found the vehicle's keys in his pocket.

  • The incident occurred around 4 a.m. on January 29, 2026.

The players

Cleveland Man

A 28-year-old Cleveland resident who was arrested for drunk driving and fleeing the scene of a crash on I-71.

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What they’re saying

“Don't touch me.”

— Cleveland Man

What’s next

The suspect will likely face charges related to drunk driving, hit-and-run, and resisting arrest. The judge will determine whether to grant him bail.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of responsible driving and the consequences that can arise when individuals choose to operate a vehicle while intoxicated. It also highlights the risks posed by those who attempt to flee the scene of an accident, both to themselves and to the public.