A Clermont man was arrested on suspicion of DUI when deputies saw him leave a gas station with beer and found empty cans in his vehicle.
A citizen called the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and advised they were behind a driver, later identified as 41-year-old Steven Michael Skidmore, that was possibly under the influence around 12:20 a.m. Friday, according to an arrest report from the LCSO. They observed the vehicle, a white jeep, pull onto Lakeshore and Kingfisher Drive in Clermont.
A deputy arrived and saw Skidmore leaving the ga station with a blue drink in his hand, which was suspected to be an alcoholic beverage due to the distinct style of the bottle being consistent with a Bud Light beer bottle. The deputy initiated a traffic stop as a result, the report said.
Upon the arrival of another deputy, he observed Skidmore to have bloodshot, glassy eyes and a strong odor of alcoholic beverages on his breath. He appeared unsteady on his feet, swaying back and forth while speaking. He admitted to drinking alcohol prior to making contact with the deputy. He claimed to have drunk about three beers, the report said.
The deputy asked Skidmore if he would consent to field sobriety exercises, which he refused. He explained that if he did not consent, he would be placed under arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol. Skidmore still refused, the report said.
Deputies observed empty open containers of alcoholic beverages in the passenger-side floorboard of Skidmore’s vehicle. One Bud Light can was found between the passenger seat and center console about half full and still cold to the touch. There were also four empty beer cans on the floorboard and an empty flask with an odor of whiskey coming the flask in the center console. All cans were collected as evidence, the report said.
Skidmore was subsequently arrested for DUI. He was transported to Lake County Jail where he was read the implied consent warning. However, he refused to submit to a blood, urine or chemical test. He also refused to answer any questions. Bond was set at $2,500.