Deputies: Suspect had squirrel in shirt

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FLEMING ISLAND, Fla., Sept. 25 (UPI) -- Authorities in Florida said a drunken driving suspect told deputies he was being eaten by the squirrel inside his shirt.

Clay County sheriff's deputies said Warren Michael III, 23, was pulled over Saturday night on Fleming Island after driving off the road, nearly hitting a parked vehicle and veering over the center line, WJXT-TV, Jacksonville, Fla., reported Tuesday.

Deputies said Michael's eyes were bloodshot and glassy, his speech was slurred and he had the strong odor of alcohol on his breath. The report said Michael told a deputy the squirrel inside his shirt was "eating" him.

The report said Michael was unable to find his license and registration.

I had the defendant secure the squirrel and then exit the vehicle," the deputy wrote.

Deputies said Michael had a difficult time maintaining his balance during a field sobriety test.

He was arrested on charges of driving under the influence and driving without a seat belt and was also given a warning for driving a vehicle in an unsafe condition.

Police said the vehicle and the squirrel were turned over to Michael's girlfriend.