A Merced man who was driving in the opposite lanes of traffic in the 1400 block of Hatch Road was stopped, cited and released to his adult son on Tuesday evening, July 30.

While on patrol at 9:49 p.m., Officer Tony Scopesi spotted Manuel Alcazarvazquez, 48, of Merced, driving an Acura SUV eastbound on Hatch Road in the westbound lanes. Apparently realizing he was traveling the wrong way, Alcazarvazquez made a hard left in front of approaching traffic. The Acura traveled up and over the curb and sidewalk and entered the parking lot area near Access Dental. Officer Scopesi was able to get the driver to stop before he could re-enter Hatch Road. Officer Scopesi believed that Alcazarvazquez was intoxicated and found to be twice the legal limit.

Alcazarvazquez was cited for DUI and released to his adult son.