PLANT CITY, Fla. (CBS12) — Florida deputies say a man was found passed out at a gas pump with his 5-year-old in the backseat, a gun in plain view, and a BAC more than double the limit.
On Thursday, deputies with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office say they responded to a Shell gas station at 1665 Branch Forbes Road in Plant City for reports of a “person-down.”
Upon arrival, deputies say they found 26-year-old Patrick Voegtly passed out in the driver’s seat next to a gas pump.
During the arrest captured on bodycam, Voegtly’s 5-year-old child in the backseat is heard telling deputies that his dad is “just sleeping.”
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While assessing the scene, deputies allegedly saw a gun in plain view inside the vehicle. When they woke Voegtly up and placed him under arrest, a second gun was found in his pocket.
Deputies noted that he had glassy eyes and slurred speech before confirming his impairment after he blew a BAC more than double the legal limit.
In a statement, HCSO Sheriff Chad Chronister highlighted that this could have ended much worse:
This reckless decision could have ended in tragedy. Driving under the influence is dangerous enough, but doing so with a child in the vehicle while armed shows a complete disregard for the safety of others. Thankfully, deputies intervened before anyone was seriously hurt.
Voegtly was subsequently booked for counts of Driving Under the Influence (Over 0.15), Child Neglect, and Improper Exhibition of a Dangerous Weapon or Firearm.
The investigation is reportedly active at this time.