An alleged drunk driver was arrested on April 2 after he reportedly almost struck a deputy’s patrol car.Johnny Michael Howard, 51, of Sparta was charged with his third driving under the influence offense and cited for failure to maintain his lane of travel.According to Sheriff Patrick Ray said a deputy was patrolling Highway 70 just past Sligo Bridge Howard’s Dodge Caravan, left its lane of travel and nearly sideswiped the patrol car. Upon stopping the officer found the driver to be Howard.He allegedly had a strong odor of alcohol on his person, and was unsteady on his feet. His speech was reportedly slurred, and his eyes were bloodshot.