Candidate accused of tractor DUI

Associated Press

CHILLICOTHE

An independent candidate for auditor in a southern Ohio county says his arrest for drunken tractor driving is “politically motivated.”

Jon Ater, 55, of Chesapeake, who is running in the November election, says he doesn’t know “who is behind this” but that he’ll fight the charges in court.

A Lawrence County Sheriff’s report says Ater was arrested Monday after a deputy saw him cross the center line while driving a tractor on a state route in Union Township.

Police say Ater had slurred speech and bloodshot eyes and failed sobriety tests.

The report says open cans of beer and a cooler were taken from the tractor.

Ater faces a Friday arraignment on charges of operating under the influence, having an open container and driving left of center.

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