ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — Port St. Lucie Police (PSLPD) arrested an underage DUI driver Halloween weekend After almost causing a wrong way head-on collision with a Sergeant from the agency.
Sunday morning, just after 1:30 A.M., Jake Abbott, 18, was taken into custody for driving in the wrong lane of traffic on Okeechobee Road, near mile marker 123/124. Abbott reportedly was driving head on for what he didn’t realize was a PSLPD Sgt. driving home from shift.
PSLPD says the Sgt. was able to swerve out of the way, avoiding the head on collision onto the shoulder to prevent being hit. The Sgt. immediately radioed to dispatch his location and make and model of the vehicle when Abbott fled from the scene. The Sgt. could see there were two other passengers in the vehicle with Abbott, who were now also in danger if they crashed.
Help from the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office and PSLPD came for back up.
PSLPD says as other drivers were still in danger of Abbott’s wrong way travel, the Sgt. used his spot light to illuminate the vehicle to warn other vehicles there is a danger in their path.
PSLPD says Abbott eventually came to a halt, still in the wrong way of traffic. Upon the Sgt. making contact with Abbott, a strong odor of alcohol was noticed, in addition to an empty can of Twisted Tea in the vehicle.
St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office took over the investigation as the incident occurred in their jurisdiction and found Abbott to be under the influence.
He was transported to SLC Jail and was charged with DUI, Fleeing and Eluding and his vehicle was towed.
PSLPD says any person who provides alcohol to an under aged person can be charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. the agency will continue to enforce all traffic laws and assist other agencies in keeping Florida safe.