A Brockton man defied common physiology when Rhode Island state troopers say they caught him driving with a blood-alcohol level of .384, nearly five times the Bay States legal driving limit and amazingly, the second highest a veteran trooper has seen in his decades-long career.

The amazing thing is, his blood alcohol level was that high and he was coherent and awake, Rhode Island State Police Capt. Frank B. Castellone said of Dammon McLaren, 32. It was pretty scary to think he was driving a car.

McLaren was unsteady on his feet, slurred his speech and reeked of alcohol when police pulled over his car in Providence early Sunday, according to state police. After submitting to a Breathalyzer, McLaren blew a .373, then a .384, police said levels Castellone said are only topped by a 2008 drunk driver who registered a .49 when Rhode Island state police stopped him.

Its the second highest Ive ever seen in 22 years, Castellone said.

State police said a person normally passes out by the time he or she hits .30, and levels approaching .40 can put a person in danger of a coma and even death due to respiratory arrest.

McLaren, since released, is due back in Providence court on April 6, Castellone said. He is facing charges of driving with BAC of 0.15 or greater, and was issued a traffic summons for a laned roadway violation, not using a turn signal and operating with an expired registration.

This behavior will not be tolerated on the highways of our state, Col. Steven G. ODonnell, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police, said in a statement. We will use all resources available to the Division, including overtime patrols using low profile vehicles, to remain vigilant and curb this activity.

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Accused drunken driver blows 'amazing' .384