OKEECHOBEE — After driving  miles on a blown tire, a pickup truck driver was charged with DUI. Loy Maze Jr., 27, Hines Drive, was arrested Feb. 21 by OCSO at approximately 5:30 p.m.

Okeechobee City Police Officer Ramon Liberato was dispatched to the 200 block of State Road 70 East after a complainant called to say a silver F-150 with a blown tire was driving down the highway.

Liberato was unable to locate the vehicle, but dispatch received a second call from someone who said he was behind a truck that was all over the road and had hit the curb several times. He said the truck had a blown tire.

When Liberato arrived, he found the truck stopped in front of Auquatic Fitness. Next to the truck stood a man in a red ball cap. The truck was still running and the right front tire was shredded. There was also damage to the rim.

In the bed of the truck was a female, who reportedly told officers Maze was driving them from her step-father’s house in Douglas Park and had hit a couple curbs while driving.

Liberato’s report notes Maze had slurred speech and was swaying as he stood there. There was also a strong odor of alcohol on his breath.

Maze reportedly refused the breath test, and his bond was set at $500.