Imperial County, CA - Motorists along Interstate 8 in Imperial County call the California Highway Patrol to report a man throwing a dog into traffic. CHP reports responding to the scene Thursday afternoon around 2:00 pm and find the man standing on the shoulder near a U-Haul truck that appeared to be stuck in the dirt. The officer began to question the man and says he became verbally aggressive and threatening towards him. The CHP officer returned to his car and called for back up.
CHP says the man crossed into traffic and into the center of the interstate and began picking up sticks and rocks and starting throwing them. They say he then started walking into traffic in the opposite lane. The interstate was shut down for safety. Officers say after several minutes they were able to take the person into custody. They identify him as 41 year old Michael Alan Blanchette from Glendale, AZ
CHP says Blanchette was determined to be under the influence of a controlled substance, he was taken to Brawley Medical Center for medical clearance prior to being booked into the Imperial County Jail. Blanchette was booked on several felony charges.
During the course of the investigation CHP reports that burglary tools, drug paraphernalia and liquid methamphetamines were found in plain view. The deceased canine was also discovered near the rear of the U-Haul truck.
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