WINSLOW — Two drivers on Bay Street Sunday morning were arrested within an hour of each other, for allegedly operating under the influence.

Joseph William Burdette, 31, of Waltham, Mass., was arrested on charges of operating under the influence, operating with a suspended license, possession of a suspended license and speeding at 12:30 a.m.

Robert Francis Cutliffe, 49, of China Road, was arrested on charges of operating under the influence, possession of marijuana and use of drug paraphernalia at 1:30 a.m., according to the Winslow Police Department.

Winslow police Lt. Josh Veilleux said that the arrests were assisted by a state-funded grant that allows Winslow police to run more patrols for intoxicated drivers.

“The officers usually drive around town looking out, it just so happens he got two on the same road that night,” Veilleux said.

Burdette was heard screeching his tires and accelerating the engine of his Dodge pickup truck loudly while approaching a parked police car, Veilleux said. The officer recorded Burdette on radar going 54 mph in a 25 mph zone.

“The officer conducted an OUI investigation after the vehicle was pulled over,” Veilleux said, adding that Burdette was charged with operating under the influence and processed at the Winslow Police Department, where he posted unsecured $1,000 bail. Veilleux wouldn’t release his blood-alcohol level.

Veilleux said Burdette was visiting family or friends and was dealing with personal issues.

Cutliffe was stopped on Bay Street an hour later for allegedly driving 41 mph. When the officer approached the vehicle, he smelled alcohol, according to Veilleux.

Cutliffe also had a useable amount of marijuana and a smoking pipe on him, Veilleux said. Cutliffe was processed at Winslow Police Department and posted unsecured $1,000 bail.

Jesse Scardina — 861-9239
jscardina@mainetoday.com