(9/30/99)
A 25-year-old Amish boy was charged yesterday with driving under the influence after allegedly passing out at the reins of a buggy, which then hit a police cruiser.
Police in this village about 30 miles east of San Francisco said officers spotted the buggy weaving as it went down the road about 2 a.m. Sunday.
When officers pulled up beside the buggy, they saw the driver was passed out in the front seat. They tried to wake the youth with their sirens and horns but were unsuccessful.
Police Chief David Easthon said officers tried to stop the horse on foot. It veered off the road and hit a police cruiser.
The buggy turned over, ejecting the young adult, identified as Jim Kelly of San Francisco. He was treated at a hospital for scratches and released. The horse suffered a gash on the leg but is expected to recover.
Kelly commented, ``I didn't think buttermilk could get so strong. Whoo!''