An Omaha TV news anchor had a blood-alcohol content more than three times the legal limit when he steered his car the wrong way on a street about four blocks from his home, police said.
Adrian J. Whitsett, 31, who works for KETV-Channel 7, was ticketed on suspicion of driving under the influence and driving the wrong way on a one-way street, both misdemeanors.
A breath test indicated his blood-alcohol content was .262 percent, according to an Omaha police report. The legal limit in Nebraska is .08 percent.
Whitsett anchors the 5 p.m. newscast on KETV. The station's website said he is on a leave of absence. He could not be reached for comment.
Police said Whitsett was driving west on Leavenworth Street, near 15th Street, about 2:30 a.m. Saturday when he was stopped by officers. Leavenworth is eastbound only at that location.
Whitsett was charged in 1999 with driving under the influence in Sarpy County Court after he was stopped by La Vista police. He later pleaded guilty to reckless driving, according to online court records.
Whitsett pleaded guilty to driving under the influence after he was stopped in Bellevue in July 2003.
Contact the writer:
402-444-3106, emerson.clarridge@owh.com
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