Solicitor Donnie Myers Ticketed with Open Container

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — “He observed a vehicle, a silver Lexus, it pulled in front of him actually to the point where it got his attention,” says Sergeant Bryan McDougald, South Carolina Highway Patrol. According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the driver of the car was longtime Lexington County Solicitor, Donnie Myers. “He was following the vehicle,he observed the vehicle was traveling left of center,” says Sgt. McDougald. In dash cam video obtained by ABC Columbia News, Myers can be seen telling the trooper who pulled him over that he was listening to the Gamecock game, this was the reason troopers say he gave for his driving behavior. The trooper then asked him about a cup of liquid that he noticed in the car. “What’s in that cup right there?,” asks the trooper. “That’s something Jackie Knotts left in there,” says Myers. He would later claim it belonged to his girlfriend. “Don’t know the particular type it was classified as as an ABC Violation which is your liquor, whiskey, wine that type of substance,” says McDougald Myers was also given a field sobriety test, though he did give an excuse for not doing the entire test. “I’ve had back surgery and I’ve had shoulder surgery,” says Myers. Troopers eventually wrote him a ticket for open container and he was released. Yet, this isn’t the solicitor’s first alcohol related brush with the law. In 2005, he was charged with DUI, after he was pulled over in Asheville, North Carolina. In 2005, Myers had this to say in response to the charges: “I did not ask for leniency, I did not ask for mercy, I don’t deserve any cause there’s no excuse for my actions.” For that violation he was given a fine, ordered to do community service and could not visit the state for 30 days. A little more than he will likely receive this time, if convicted, which according to officers will be a fine of at least $200.00, however the exact amount will be set by a judge.