Saratoga Springs

City police say James Argus was drunk when he backed his car into a concrete pillar at a Price Chopper parking lot Tuesday morning.

To avoid arrest, Argus allegedly switched seats with his passenger, Lawrence Mahar, who then drove off.

There was one problem, however: Mahar was drunk, too, police said.

The early-morning alcohol-fueled musical chairs act netted both men a driving while intoxicated arrest.

Argus backed his car into the pillar at 7:57 a.m., police said. Minutes later, officers responding to the collision pulled the pair over in a Stewart's Shop parking lot on Church Street.

Mahar, 49, of Seward Street, was charged with DWI and failing to signal for a turn.

Argus was charged with DWI. Police said witnesses watched the collision unfold and then saw Argus and Mahar swap seats.

In addition to drunken driving, Argus was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest for allegedly fighting with cops at the scene.

Police said both the concrete pillar and Argus' car were not damaged.