Updated Charges: Mount Perry Driver Avoids Felony OVI

Muskingum County- An update from the Ohio State Highway Patrol reveals that a Mount Perry man initially charged with a felony OVI will now face lesser charges.

The State Highway Patrol said on April 30, 38-year-old Robert Bates was operating a vehicle on County Road 30 near Township Road 285, when he traveled off the right side of the road, striking a ditch, an embankment and a tree.

The vehicle overturned and caught fire.

Bates was originally facing his seventh OVI and first at the felony level. As of May 2, officials clarified that the offense does not meet felony criteria.

Bates is now charged with his fifth lifetime OVI and third within a 10-year look-back period. Charges have been adjusted and filed with the Muskingum County Prosecutors office accordingly.