Drunk driver tore up school lawns

EVANS, N.Y., May 3 (UPI) -- Police in New York state said a drunk motorist with children in his car told officers he tore up lawns at two schools to show his passengers "a good time."

Evans police said an officer noticed Daniel Hesslinger, 44, doing "donuts" on the lawn of Lake Shore Central Middle School early Sunday and the motorist attempted to drive away when the officer followed in his patrol car, the Buffalo (N.Y.) News reported Tuesday.

Hesslinger eventually rammed a steel pole, reversed his vehicle and became stuck in the grass near the pole.

Police said Hesslinger, whose blood alcohol level was found to be more than three times the legal limit, also tore up the lawn at Senior High School.

Investigators said a 12-year-old girl, a 13-year-old girl and a 13-year-old boy were in the car with Hesslinger. He told police he "was just trying to show the kids a good time."

Hesslinger is dating the mother of one of the children, police said. He was arrested on charges including driving while intoxicated, endangering the welfare of a child, criminal mischief, reckless endangerment and reckless endangerment of property.