Man arrested for playing checkers

North Carolina - When Otis the town drunk goes to jail on “The Andy Griffith Show,” it always produces some comedic moments. But for a Mount Airy man who impersonates the familiar character, his real-life arrest for recently violating a city ordinance prohibiting sidewalk obstructions has been no laughing matter. James Slate, 63, was handcuffed, placed in a police car and hauled off to Dobson, where he had to wait about 45 minutes, part of the time in a holding cell, until his wife could come and post a $500 cash bond. He was taken into custody at Mayberry Country Store, his son’s business on North Main Street that is right beside Snappy Lunch, where Slate often sits outside and plays checkers with tourists.  More