An unlicensed driver from Mexico was arrested on a drunk driving charge after a trooper initiated a traffic stop while in fear for the man’s wellbeing.
Alejandro Munoz Pacheco, 48, of Umatilla was spotted by a state trooper around 6:16 p.m. Wednesday swerving outside of the left lane on State Road 19, according to an arrest report from Florida Highway Patrol.
The black pickup truck went onto the outside line of the lane three times, causing the trooper to become concerned for the driver’s wellbeing. The trooper activated his emergency lights and initiated a traffic stop. The truck slowed down and made a left turn onto Wilt Avenue, the report said.
The report stated the trooper approached the truck on the passenger side and asked Pacheco if he needed EMS, to which he stated he was OK. A strong odor of alcohol was coming from inside the vehicle, causing the trooper to approach the driver’s side.
The trooper could still smell alcohol coming from the truck. He also noticed that Pacheco’s eyes were bloodshot and watery as he gave the trooper his ID card out of Mexico. The trooper then had Pacheco exit the truck and come to the rear of the vehicle. As he did so, the trooper noticed two beer bottles with condensation on them on the backseat floor, the report said.
While talking with Pacheco, the trooper was able to smell the odor of alcohol on his breath, the report said. Pacheco used the rear of the pickup truck to stand as they spoke. The trooper asked Pacheco if he had any alcohol or beer today, to which Pacheco said he had two beers about 40 minutes prior.
The trooper asked Pacheco if he would be willing to do standardized field sobriety exercises, to which he agreed. Pacheco’s performance during the exercises, including loss of balance and swaying, led the trooper to believe that he was impaired by alcohol. Breath tests taken later resulted in 0.121 and 0.130 blood alcohol levels.
Pacheco was arrested and charged with DUI of alcohol or drugs and operating a motor vehicle without a license. He was transported to the Lake County Jail for booking purposes and released after posting $2,000 bond.
