(La Porte, IN) - Apparently, a case of beer wasn’t enough for a driver arrested outside

a liquor store.  28-year old Ivan Gonzalez of La Porte is charged with Operating While Intoxicated.

According to La Porte County Police, he nearly struck an oncoming police vehicle Saturday night while making a wide turn at Jackson and State streets.  Police said the officer, veering quickly to his right to avoid a crash, turned around and quickly spotted the pick-up truck driven by Gonzalez in the parking lot of La Porte Liquors.

A case of empty beer cans was allegedly inside his vehicle.  Police said he had an alleged blood alcohol level nearly three times the .08-percent legal limit.

Gonzalez is charged with a felony because of a prior OWI conviction.  He could face an up to 2 ½ year sentence.