53-year-old Mensah Ajanaku was charged with DUI, violation of financial law, no driver’s license, open container law, public intoxication, and reckless driving after he was seen asleep at the wheel of his moving vehicle and refused multiple times to turn off the engine.
On November 6th, Memphis Police Officer McClinton witnessed a 2012 Mercedes C300 driving on Shelby Drive and Hickory Hill Road, with several drivers shouting “officer stop that car he is sleep.” The officer advised the driver, Mensah Ajanaku, refused to stop and continued to travel down Shelby Drive at 10 mph. According to the affidavit, the vehicle stopped when Ajanaku slumped over the steering wheel but he woke up and drove away from the police. The vehicle stopped again only because he lost consciousness but once more he became alert and drove off.
Officer McClinton stated that Ajanaku stopped a third time at Shelby Dr and Riverdale Road and she tried to get his attention, yelling for him to not drive away and to turn off the engine. As she attempted to get him out of the car, Ajanaku smelled of alcohol and continued slurring, “no I am going home.” As he finally turned the car off, the officer noted Ajanaku put a pipe and a half-empty bottle of alcohol behind the passenger seat. He exhibited glazed eyes and had to be held up to prevent him from falling. Officer McClinton also reported Ajanaku could not provide a valid driver’s license nor proof of insurance.
Mensah Ajanaku was arrested and charged with DUI, violation of financial law, no driver’s license, open container law, public intoxication, and reckless driving. He is currently jailed in lieu of a $2,500 bond.
