ORLANDO, Fla. – Authorities said a drunk driver struck a deputy’s patrol car before failing a sobriety test.
The alleged incident happened in Flagler County on Sunday night.
Blood alcohol level almost twice the limit: Deputies
What Happened:
A Bunnell man was arrested Sunday night after authorities said he struck a Putnam County deputy’s patrol car and later failed field sobriety tests on State Road 100.
According to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, the crash happened near the county line while a Putnam County deputy was assisting a disabled vehicle.
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Deputies said a silver Ford F-150 driven by Michael Natale, 42, hit the deputy’s patrol car, damaging its mirror, and continued driving.
The deputy followed the truck for about a mile before it stopped. Natale reportedly fell asleep in his vehicle while waiting for Flagler County deputies to arrive. Deputies said he stumbled, smelled of alcohol, and had glassy, bloodshot eyes.
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After failing field sobriety tests, Natale was arrested. Deputies said they also found a THC vape pen in his possession. Breath tests at the jail showed blood alcohol levels of 0.161 and 0.149, nearly twice the legal limit.
Natale was charged with DUI with a BAC of 0.15 or higher, DUI with property damage, leaving the scene of a crash with property damage, and possession of hashish. He was booked into the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility and later released on a $3,250 bond after being medically cleared.
‘Stupid and dangerous’
What they’re saying:
Sheriff Rick Staly called Natale’s actions “stupid and dangerous,” adding, “I’m thankful the Putnam County deputy was not injured. This is a reminder not to drink and drive—or you’ll visit new bars at the Green Roof Inn.”
The Source: This story was written based on information shared by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.