An Amherst man who tried to make police believe he was his brother during a drunk driving arrest pleaded guilty Thursday to driving while intoxicated, first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and false impersonation charges.
According to the Erie County District Attorney’s office, Michael Engel, 28, pretended to be his brother when he was pulled over by Amherst police officers at 3:40 a.m. on Sept. 12, 2012. Police said Engel, who could not provide any identification, failed a field sobriety, fled the scene but was quickly apprehended and administered another sobriety test, which he also failed.
Despite police suspicions that Engel was lying about his identity, police said he persisted in using his brother’s first name in attempt to shield his own criminal history from police. Michael Engel’s driver license was revoked because of 2010 DWI conviction.
He faces up to four years in state prison when he is sentenced before Erie County Court Judge Michael F. Pietruszka at 9:30 a.m. on June 18.
According to the Erie County District Attorney’s office, Michael Engel, 28, pretended to be his brother when he was pulled over by Amherst police officers at 3:40 a.m. on Sept. 12, 2012. Police said Engel, who could not provide any identification, failed a field sobriety, fled the scene but was quickly apprehended and administered another sobriety test, which he also failed.
Despite police suspicions that Engel was lying about his identity, police said he persisted in using his brother’s first name in attempt to shield his own criminal history from police. Michael Engel’s driver license was revoked because of 2010 DWI conviction.
He faces up to four years in state prison when he is sentenced before Erie County Court Judge Michael F. Pietruszka at 9:30 a.m. on June 18.