CALIFORNIA, Md. – Michael Joseph Horvat, 53, of California, MD, has been formally charged with multiple offenses, including driving under the influence (DUI) and negligent driving. The charges follow an incident on July 3, 2024, where Horvat was observed by Deputy Bianca Melton of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office exhibiting signs of intoxication and engaging in dangerous driving behavior.
According to the court documents, Deputy Melton responded to a report of harassment at Stoney Hill Lane. Upon arrival, the complainant stated that her neighbor, Michael Horvat, had come over and attempted to give her beer while appearing visibly intoxicated. While on the scene, Deputy Melton observed Horvat turn his vehicle into his garage, skid his tires, and display erratic behavior.
Earlier that day, Horvat was reported to have been stumbling in his driveway and having difficulty maintaining his balance. Deputy Melton had ordered Horvat to remove his keys from the vehicle and exit promptly, knowing him to be intoxicated. Despite this, Horvat later entered his vehicle and began driving in a manner that posed a risk to himself and others.
Horvat’s behavior escalated as he retrieved two open beer cans from his garage and began making threats, claiming he could kill the officers and that they were lucky he was not assaulting them. Refusing to comply with orders, Horvat demanded officers go away and leave him alone.
Due to his erratic and dangerous actions, Horvat was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. He refused to participate in standardized field sobriety tests and the intoximeter test, further affirming his state of intoxication.
Horvat has been charged with driving while impaired by alcohol, driving while under the influence of alcohol, and negligent driving. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for later this month.
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