CLEARLAKE – A Clearlake man was arrested Halloween night after he was caught allegedly drunk driving recklessly near a holiday event where children were present.

A report from Clearlake Police Sgt. Tim Celli explained that at 7:45 p.m. Wednesday Clearlake Police officers responded to a reported reckless driver at the Lake County Fire Protection District's Parker Station on Olympic Drive.

At the time, fire department personnel were busy hosting their annual haunted house, according to Celli, and there were several hundred children in the area.

While Clearlake Police volunteers were directing traffic near the fire station, Celli reported that they saw a 1988 Mazda sedan driving into the area at an unsafe speed and making unsafe turns while children were present.

The vehicle was reportedly driving on the grass in front of the fire department building, eventually stopping in front of the fire department's garage doors, Celli reported.

The Clearlake Police volunteers radioed the police department, who dispatched officers to the scene. In the meantime, Celli said Lakeshore Fire personnel contacted the vehicle's driver, 59-year-old Freddie Williams, who appeared to be intoxicated.

Clearlake Police Officer Todd Miller arrived at the scene and conducted a drunk driver investigation, which Celli said resulted in Williams' arrest for driving while intoxicated.

During a police search of the Williams' person and his vehicle, they found open alcohol containers, Celli reported.

A preliminary examination found that Williams had a blood alcohol content of .23, nearly three times the legal limit, according to Celli.

Celli said Williams was booked into the Lake County Jail for charges of driving under the influence.

The Lake County District Attorney's Office also will be requested to review the case for child endangerment charges due the large number of children in the area at the time of the incident, Celli reported.

Celli said the teamwork demonstrated by the Lake County Fire Protection personnel, Clearlake Police Volunteers in Policing and Clearlake Police officers resulted in a safe, successful Halloween.

E-mail Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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