A North Platte man is in jail on felony charges after he was busted driving a stolen vehicle while he was drunk.

At around 7:20 p.m., on May 14, an officer with the North Platte Police Department observed a white Dodge Dakota with “18” county plates.

The officer had prior information that this vehicle was stolen.

The officer was able to follow the vehicle, and observed the pickup swerve across the center line several times.

The officer conducted a traffic stop in the 1900 block of West A Street.  As the officer prepared to make contact, the driver, Richard Smith, exited the vehicle and began to walk away.

According to Officer Rodney Brown, the officer was able to stop Smith, whom he believed to be under the influence of alcohol.

The officer conducted a DUI investigation, however, Smith refused to comply with any of the officer’s requests.

Following further investigation, Smith was arrested and jailed at the Lincoln County Detention Center.

He’s been charged with felony possession of stolen property, felony driving under the influence of liquor (5th offense), driving under suspension and refusal to submit to a breath/chemical test.

Additionally, Smith was cited for having an open container of alcohol in the vehicle.