Sheriff’s deputies say that a man in Florida who was pulled over for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol tried to avoid the consequences of his actions through a manufactured language barrier. The deputies say the man claimed not to speak English just moments after using the language to communicate with them.
A spokesperson for the Collier County Sheriff’s Office says the man told police he was leaving a local bar and lounge before being pulled over. He agreed to DUI field testing, and the result of the exchange with police officers is the need for the man to prepare a defense against drunk driving allegations.
Police officers at the scene say the exchange between themselves and the suspect became stranger after the man had already agreed to field sobriety tests. They say the man attempted to walk away from them repeatedly without explanation. Officers also say he tried twice to urinate on the side of the road as they attempted to complete the field testing.
The officers explained in the arrest report that the man communicated with him throughout the evaluation and testing process in fluid English. At one point, officers say the man told him that the testing process “is stupid.” Officers say that as the process wore on, the man began to express he did not understand the things said to him. The arrest happened after the man stopped communicating altogether.
The officers asked the man to take a breath test after his arrest. The only answer he gave them was that he did not speak English. A Spanish-speaking officer came to assist in the situation, and the man reportedly ignored requests from the officer to take the breath test. The man will now answer to charges of driving under the influence in court.
Operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol is not only dangerous but can lead to serious legal consequences. Individuals who need to defend themselves against allegations of drunk driving may find it useful to speak with a criminal defense attorney.