Drunken driver in Lincoln had loaded gun, the sheriff’s office says

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Lincoln man Saturday after it says he was driving under the influence with a handgun.

Steven Stowers, 50, was taken into custody on suspicion of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, DUI and refusal of a chemical test.

Around 11:45 p.m., deputies said they pulled over Stowers for swerving and breaking for no reason on West O Street near Southwest 48th Street.

During the stop, deputies smelled alcohol in the vehicle and asked Stowers to get out, according to the sheriff’s office.

Deputies noticed that Stowers was drunk and asked him to do a field sobriety test, which Stowers refused, Chief Deputy Ben Houchin said.

He was searched, and deputies found a concealed and loaded handgun in his front right pocket, according to Houchin.

Further investigation found Stowers to be a convicted felon, preventing him from owning a gun.

Stowers was lodged in the Lancaster County Jail.