Judge imprisons Minneapolis man for latest in stunning number of drunk driving convictions

Michael James Bowser, 70, received a 7½-year prison sentence for his 22nd DUI conviction, following an incident on New Year’s Eve in Brooklyn Center. After being pulled over for erratic driving, Bowser fled from police at speeds of 70 to 80 mph before crashing and attempting to escape on foot. His driving record, which spans approximately 25 years, includes a canceled license due to public safety concerns. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty emphasized the need to protect the community from Bowser's dangerous behavior. Minnesota has seen over 145,000 cases of drunken driving since 2020, underscoring a critical public safety issue.

Lt. Mike Lee from the State Patrol highlighted impaired driving as a leading factor in traffic fatalities. Bowser's case illustrates the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in managing repeat offenders. Authorities continue to advocate for responsible driving decisions to reduce impaired driving incidents.