A Burnsville man who tried to hide from police on the roof of a garage after being pulled over for erratic driving faces charges of drunk driving and attempting to flee.

22-year old Elliot Alexander Williams was charged with DWI and fleeing a police officer after he allegedly tried to hide on the garage of a set of nearby townhouses after driving home following a night of drinking.

According to the police report, officers saw Williams drive out of a parking lot at an excessive speed without signaling.  When they tried to pull him over, he parked his car and took off on foot.  The pursuing officers eventually caught Williams on the roof of a townhouse garage.  A breath test confirmed that Williams’ blood alcohol level was above Minnesota’s legal limit.

When asked why he fled, Williams said he knew that he would be in big trouble if he was caught because he was currently awaiting trial for another first-degree DUI charge.  He also stated that that he was operating his car without an ignition interlock device, which prevents the car from starting if the driver is over a certain blood alcohol level.

The arrest was Williams’ fifth DUI incident since 2008.  He faces fines in excess of $15,000 and could serve more than seven years in prison.

Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney Adam Goldfine said that Williams faces stiff punishments.

“Williams will be facing felony level charges because he has over four DWI incidents in the last ten years, which carry a mandatory minimum sentence and fine,” said Goldfine.  “He could also end up losing his vehicle.”

Goldfine also noted that although Williams will serve some time if found guilty, he believes some form of alcohol treatment is necessary.

“Based on his history, he’s probably already been ordered by the court to seek alcohol treatment.  I think it’s important that he receives treatment and completes the court-ordered programs to help get his life back on track.”

Related source:  CBS Minnesota