Post by WaTcHeR on Dec 8, 2006 12:46:56 GMT -5
12.06.2006 - Lake Wales -- A Lake Wales police lieutenant was arrested Wednesday night after driving from a traffic stop in which he was pulled over on suspicion of driving under the influence, the Polk County Sheriff's Office said.
Officer Bobby Smith, 46, was pulled over on Washington Avenue by an Avon Park police officer, and he stopped. But after a Lake Wales officer and another lieutenant arrived, Smith drove off, deputies said.
The officers pursued, and Smith, who was off duty in his personal car, stopped again. When asked why he drove away, Smith told the officers, "They held me there long enough," an arrest report said.
Smith was arrested on charges of driving under the influence, fleeing to elude, possessing an open container and running a stop sign.
He was released Thursday from the Polk County Jail on $1,500 bail.
Lake Wales police said Smith has been placed on administrative leave without pay. Smith has worked for the department since 1988 and has received 17 commendations.
www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/southwest/orl-mcfbriefs08_706dec08,0,7179316.story?coll=orl-news-headlines-swest
Officer Bobby Smith, 46, was pulled over on Washington Avenue by an Avon Park police officer, and he stopped. But after a Lake Wales officer and another lieutenant arrived, Smith drove off, deputies said.
The officers pursued, and Smith, who was off duty in his personal car, stopped again. When asked why he drove away, Smith told the officers, "They held me there long enough," an arrest report said.
Smith was arrested on charges of driving under the influence, fleeing to elude, possessing an open container and running a stop sign.
He was released Thursday from the Polk County Jail on $1,500 bail.
Lake Wales police said Smith has been placed on administrative leave without pay. Smith has worked for the department since 1988 and has received 17 commendations.
www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/southwest/orl-mcfbriefs08_706dec08,0,7179316.story?coll=orl-news-headlines-swest