Who:        
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Operations Bureau
 
Michael Cruz (Arrested)
Age: 26
Employment: Largo Fire Department
Charges: Driving Under the Influence

What:       
Deputies assigned to the Patrol Operations Bureau have arrested a Largo Firefighter for Driving Under the Influence (DUI).

When:
The incident happened at about 4:05 a.m. on Saturday, May 19, 2018.

Where:
The incident occurred in the intersection of Main Street and Bass Boulevard in Dunedin.

Why/How:
Deputies assigned to the Patrol Operations Bureau, have arrested a Largo Firefighter for Driving Under the Influence (DUI).

At about 4:05 a.m. on Saturday, May 19, 2018, deputies observed a 2013 Dodge Dart, facing westbound and stopped in the intersection of Main Street and Bass Boulevard. Deputies pulled behind the vehicle and noted the brake lights were activated despite there being a steady green light. Deputies activated their overhead emergency lights, but the vehicle remained stationary.

Deputies made contact with the driver who was identified as 26-year-old Michael Cruz. Deputies say Cruz was found sleeping, with his foot on the brake. The vehicle was in drive and there were no other occupants inside the vehicle. Deputies knocked on the window multiple times before Cruz responded and had to assist Cruz with opening his vehicle door and placing the vehicle in park.

Deputies noted Cruz showed signs of impairment by having bloodshot, glassy eyes and a distinct odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his mouth. Cruz agreed to perform Field Sobriety Tests, but performed poorly on them.

Cruz submitted a breath sample which indicated he had a BrAC of .141/.143.

Cruz was arrested and charged with one count of DUI and transported to the Pinellas County Jail without incident.

The investigation continues.