A Tavares man who works as a server at the Ramshackle Cafe in Leesburg was arrested on a charge of driving under the influence early Sunday morning after volunteering to serve as a designated driver.
James Roy Ball Jr., 34, was seen failing to obey a stop sign and making an improper turn by a Eustis police officer and the officer stopped Ball’s car at Ferran Park. The officer noted the smell of alcohol coming from Ball as he was fumbling with his paperwork. He told the officer that he was “hanging out with friends” at Big Dog’s Saloon in Mount Dora. He told the officer he drank two White Claws and two shots at the bar.
Based on the officer’s observation and Ball’s poor performance in field sobriety exercises, he was taken into custody on a charge of driving under the influence.
At that point, Ball told the officer that he was supposed to be the designated driver for the group. However, his friend told Ball that her boyfriend is a Tavares police officer and Ball would not have to worry about drinking and driving.
Ball provided breath samples that registered .199 and .198 blood alcohol content. He was taken into custody and booked at the Lake County Jail. He was released after posting $1,000 bond.
