Police: Lorain man with OVI record caught driving under the influence

A Lorain man with six prior OVI convictions is facing a new drunken driving charge.

Only this time, a police officer said the man was intoxicated when he ran a red light and almost struck a bicyclist Oct. 20, according to a Lorain police report.

Paul Thomas Robertson Jr., 37, was charged with OVI, reckless operation on public property and obedience to traffic control devices.

According to the report, an officer watched Robertson drive his maroon 2004 Chevrolet Malibu through the red light at the intersection of Broadway and West 28th Street. Robertson was headed west on 28th about 2:30 a.m.

The officer activated his lights and sirens and attempted to catch to up with Robertson, the report said.

Robertson was left of center near Oakdale Avenue, jumped a curb and continued into Central Park, 2800 Oakdale Ave., nearly striking a man riding a bicycle on the sidewalk, according to the report.

As the officer approached, Robertson drove onto the driveway leading out of the park, the report said. He then stopped in front of the patrol car, exited his vehicle and appeared confused, according to the report.

Robertson’s breath and person smelled like alcohol, the report said. He was placed under arrest and a breath test was administered at the Lorain City Jail.

According to the report, Robertson blew .158, nearly twice the legal limit of .08.

Robertson’s driving record revealed his six OVI convictions have occurred since 2000, the report said. Lorain Municipal Court records have yet to indicate when he’ll appear in court. Lorain City Jail records show Robertson is being held on a $2,000 bond.

Robertson