LPD: Man arrested for driving wrong way while drunk, illegally possessing gun

LINCOLN, Neb. - Lincoln Police say they have arrested a man who they said was driving the wrong direction down a one-way street near downtown and showed signs of being under the influence.

According to Lincoln Police reports, an officer saw a black 2002 Mitsubishi Montero driving northbound on S. 16th Street around 4:00 a.m. The street is southbound only.

LPD Public Information Officer Erin Spilker said the officer initiated a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, 34-year-old Mack Branch.

According to Spilker, the officer observed Branch showing signs that he was under the influence of alcohol.

Officers said Branch failed a preliminary breath test and was found to have a 15-year license revocation, as well.

After Branch was taken into custody, officers said they found a loaded .22 caliber handgun on the floor of the driver’s seat of the car.

Branch was found to be a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing a firearm, according to police.

Branch was taken into custody and transported to jail.

LPD said once at jail, he refused to provide a breath sample to the officer for a formal test of his alcohol level.

Branch was arrested and is facing refusal to submit to test with two prior convictions charges, driving without ignition interlock charges, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, driving during revocation subsequent offense, carrying a concealed weapon charges and wrong way on a one way charges.