FL Officer Arrested For DUI While In Marked Patrol Car: Police

EUSTIS, FL — A Florida officer is accused of driving drunk in his marked police car while headed to work on Independence Day, a neighboring law enforcement agency said.

Oscar Mayorga, 25, an officer with the Apopka Police Department, was arrested by Eustis police officers during the holiday and booked into the Lake County Jail, according to an arrest affidavit. He is charged with driving under the influence.

Shortly after 6 p.m., police said their 911 dispatch center received a complaint regarding an Apopka police car driving recklessly. With their emergency lights and sirens on, officers pulled Mayorga over on South Avenue and South Mary Street.

As they approached his car, officers said they saw an open beer can in the center cupholder. When asked about it, Mayorga said the can was old and had been there for several days.

During the traffic stop, an officer said he noticed that Mayorga's speech seemed slurred. A second officer asked if Mayorga, who said he was heading into work, needed medical attention.

“Oscar began explaining that he is prone to having seizures and did not feel well. He began hitting his chest and saying his chest hurts. I asked if he had consumed any alcohol today and he stated 'no.' He said he took approximately three Benadryl pills a few hours ago," a portion of the affidavit read.

“I asked why he would take Benadryl right before he went to work and he could not provide an answer. While speaking with Oscar, I could smell the strong odor of alcohol emitting from his breath," the document continued.

When asked to step out of his car, police said Mayorga staggered out and had to use his door for support. They also said he nearly fell over several times because he couldn't maintain his balance. Because he was in full uniform, police said they removed his weapons.

After almost falling over, police said they contacted Lake EMS; however, Mayorga refused to be taken to a hospital. He did tell EMS on scene that he consumed approximately “three tall boys” of alcohol earlier.

Police said one of his two breath tests was 0.391g/210L, which is several times over the legal limit in Florida.

Police said they asked Mayorga about his policy regarding consuming alcohol prior to working.

“He explained he is supposed to have six hours between him drinking and going to work. I asked him about what time he consumed the alcohol and he advised around 4 p.m. I asked if he had some kind of 4th of July party, and he said ‘no.’ He consumed the bear at his home," the report read.

Mayora was ultimately arrested. A sergeant with the Apopka Police Department eventually collected Mayorga's gear and patrol car from the scene.

According to ClickOrlando.com, Mayorga has been with the Apopka Police Department for five years, and he has been suspended without pay.