An Altamonte Springs man was arrested for DUI after a deputy noticed a beer in his vehicle and he failed every sobriety test.
A deputy observed a green Jeep Wrangler traveling westbound on State Road 44 near South Street, Leesburg, around 10:10 p.m. Sunday, according to an arrest report from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. The vehicle went fast, was unable to maintain the lane and did not have a tag light.
The deputy subsequently initiated a traffic stop at State Road 44 and Progress Road. Upon making contact with the driver, identified as 34-year-old Darren Thomas Werner, the deputy noticed he had bloodshot eyes and alcohol on his breath. Werner advised that he had just left the Mount Dora area, the report said.
Werner had to be asked repeatedly for his license and proof of insurance as he did not recall the deputy asking for it. The deputy then noticed an unopened Miller Lite can sitting in the passenger seat. Werner first said he had nothing to drink, then recanted and stated he had “a little bit” to drink, the report said.
Due to the driving and signs of impairment, the deputy asked Werner if he would be willing to participate in field sobriety exercises to make sure he was okay to drive. He stated he would but failed every test. He later provided two breath samples of 0.198, the report said.
Werner was arrested on charge of DUI and transported to Lake County Jail. He was released after posting $1,000 bond.