Michael Alfano
The longtime owner of the Comedy Catch has been charged with having a loaded gun while driving while drunk through downtown Chattanooga.
Michael A. Alfano, 56, of 200 Manufacturers Road, was charged with DUI, running a red light and possession of a handgun while under the influence of an intoxicant.
In the incident on Saturday on 1:34 a.m., an officer said Alfano was driving a red convertible Mercedes Benz that ran a red light at 11th Street while going north on Market Street. He said the vehicle crossed over a double yellow line several times.
The officer said the vehicle also ran a red light just after crossing the Market Street Bridge, while turning onto Cherokee Boulevard.
The officer said he made a stop of the vehicle and noticed an odor of alcohol from the driver and he had red, watery eyes. He said Alfano said he had two drinks, then he changed it to two or three drinks, then he changed it to several drinks.
He was taken into custody after performing poorly on tests, it was stated.
The officer said there was a loaded Hi-Point 9mm firearm in the passenger seat.
A blood test was taken at the jail. The result was not listed in the report.