Florida Law Enforcement Officer Charged With DUI

DAVENPORT, FL — A Florida law enforcement officer was charged with driving under the influence early Thursday morning after he lost control of his state-owned Ford Expedition and crashed into a tree.

The crash occurred around 2:18 a.m. near mile marker 54 of Interstate 4 in Davenport, Florida, according to Scott H. Wilder of the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies said 37-year-old Kendrick Carson Bridges had a strong odor of alcohol on his breath when he was taken into custody. He is employed by the Division of Investigative & Forensic Services Bureau of Fire, Arson & Explosives Investigations in Lake Wales. The agency investigates crimes like insurance fraud, workers’ compensation fraud, arson and theft or misuse of state funds.

"Deputies learned that Ford Expedition was traveling west on I-4 and the driver lost control," said Wilder. "The vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree and rolled on its side."

Wilder said Bridges refused transport to a hospital. A deputy noted that his pupils were dilated and his movements were slow with respect to reaction time.

"He noted his eyes appeared blood shot and watery with dilated pupils. The deputy observed Mr. Bridges stood with an orbital sway (greater than 4 inches) while standing roadside with no traffic passing," according to Wilder. "Based on the deputy's observations, Standardized Field Sobriety Testing was conducted and probable cause was established that Mr. Bridges was operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs."

Wilder said Bridges refused to submit a breath sample for a blood alcohol test when he arrived at central booking.

"As a result of his refusal, his license will be administratively suspended," Wilder added. "He was also transported to Bartow Regional Health for medical clearance."

Bridges was being held at Polk County Jail pending his first court appearance.

Photo courtesy Polk County Sheriff's Office