DUI driver slams in to police in the Harrison area

A speeding, intoxicated motorist drove past a police station – almost crashing into a squad car -- and then tried to give an officer $5,000 to let him go this week on the West Side, police said today.

Martin Johnson was charged with bribery, driving while under the influence and driving with a revoked license, according to Harrison District police Lt. John Andrews.

Johnson, 34, of the 4200 block of West Jackson Boulevard, was also cited with several traffic violations after Tuesday's arrest. Johnson was expected to appear in court today but bond information was not immediately available.

An officer couldn’t help but notice Johnson because he was westbound on Harrison at a high rate of speed near the police station in the 3100 block of West Harrison Street about 5 p.m. Tuesday.

The officer was pulling out of the station’s parking lot and saw Johnson cross the center line and nearly plow into his squad car before taking a right onto northbound Kedzie Avenue, according to a police report.

Pursuing officers apparently lost track of the vehicle but it was stopped about a mile and a half away in the 700 block of North Kedzie Avenue after a flash message with the car’s description was broadcast over police radio, the report said.

As officers asked him to produce his license, he appeared incoherent and officers smelled alcohol on his breath, according to the report.

Johnson had “bloodshot, glassy eyes,’’ slurred speech, and had trouble keeping his balance while leaning on his vehicle for support, the report said.

After refusing to take a field sobriety test, Johnson allegedly tried to bribe an officer, saying: “I’ll give you ($5,000) if you let me go,’’ the report said.

A clear plastic water bottle containing liquid suspected to be alcohol was recovered from the car during a search, police said.