In attempting to avoid a DUI, Jonathan David Olson got one and then some.

The 32-year-old Eaton Rapids man is charged with Operating While Intoxicated, a 3rd offense, Allowing an Unlicensed Minor to Operate, Transporting Alcohol in a Vehicle and Child Abuse, after he had his 9-year-old drive their truck home from a get-together on Christmas Eve.

An off-duty Eaton Rapids cop spotted the pick-up driving erratically on Kemler Road just outside Eaton Rapids. He called for sheriff's deputies who pulled the car over and found the boy in the driver's seat. His father, Olson, was in the middle seat. The boy told police he'd pushed the pedals at his dad's instructions, and his dad steered the truck.

"That is absolutely unacceptable," Prosecutor Jeff Sauter says, "He not only isn't licensed, he doesn't have training, he doesn't have experience--it's not a safe act."

The child said they'd traveled 7 to 8 miles that way. A blood alcohol test on Olson is pending.

This would be his fourth drunk driving conviction if he's guilty. They began before he was even 21. He is also awaiting sentencing on unrelated charges.

The judge ordered a $50,000 cash bond and put conditions on release. He says Olson must wear an alcohol monitoring tether and avoid alcohol, and also stay away from his son.