A Fruitland Park man who was arrested on submission of drunk driving after running a red light told medical personnel they were sent by “evil.”
An officer observed the driver of a silver Dodge SUV, later identified as 49-year-old Devon Jermaine Green, run a red light at the intersection of Dixie Avenue North and U.S. Hwy. 27/441 around 9:52 p.m. Monday, according to an arrest report from the Fruitland Park Police Department.
The officer watched the Dodge briefly pause at the steady red light in the northbound lanes of Dixie Avenue North, then proceed through the intersection where the north and southbound lanes on U.S. Hwy. 27/441 had the green light. Once the light turned green, the officer drove through the intersection and saw the Dodge cross the dotted white line multiple times before swerving back into the outer lane. He conducted a traffic stop as a result, the report said.
Upon approaching Green, the officer observed him looking around for his items, the report said. He explained the reason for the stop, to which Green said he was just trying to get to work. He asked Green for his driver’s license, to which he advised, “It’s ringing now.”
Green was having difficulty finding whatever item he was searching for, as he began digging through his belongings despite him having provided what was asked. The officer noticed he had slurred speech that was thick-tongued when he spoke. His movements were delayed, and he had watery, glossy eyes. The report noted that it was quite windy due to the tropical storm, so it was not until Green positioned his door in a way that blocked the wind that the officer observed a strong odor of alcoholic beverage coming from him that grew stronger as he spoke.
The officer asked Green if he was having a medical emergency, to which he advised he was not and had not drunk alcohol. He repeatedly switched from laughing to crying with very abrupt mood changes throughout, the report said.
Based on his observations up to that point, the officer asked Green to participate in field sobriety exercises to determine if he was impaired beyond his normal faculties. Green refused, so the officer explained the adverse consequences of doing so and a few of his observations up to that point. Green stated he understood but still refused to conduct the exercises, the report said.
Green was therefore placed under arrest. The officer read implied consent at about 10:13 p.m., to which Green advised he understood and again refused to provide a sample, the report said.
While in the back of the officer’s patrol vehicle, Green asked him to unhook his arms because he could not breathe. The officer asked more questions about his current state, and he continually repeated the phrase, “I can’t breathe,” so Lake County Fire Rescue was requested. They promptly responded to the scene, the report said.
Upon their arrival, Green continued to provide conflicting answers and kept telling emergency personnel that he “saw them” and that he “loved them.” He would go from speaking softly to yelling, adding to his confusing demeanor. He requested transport to the hospital and was thus taken to UF Health Leesburg Hospital, located at 600 E. Dixie Avenue, for evaluation, the report said.
The report noted that once at the hospital, Green advised that he used to “run the place” and that everyone would know him. Several staff members arrived, and while the officer explained his charges to the staff, one of them mentioned they believed Green to be intoxicated. This caused Green to become belligerent, cursing at the staff and telling that particular member they should watch out.
Green argued with the medical staff, so they left the room. The same staff member came back to which Green assumed a pleasant demeanor. This continued as he would pick staff members that he advised were sent by “evil” and berate them. Upon clearance from the hospital, he was transported to the Lake County Jail without incident, the report said.
A check of Green’s criminal history revealed two previous guilty convictions for DUI, one from Dec. 11, 2002, and the other from April 13, 2010. He also had a previous refusal to submit breath/urine/blood test from Sept. 25, 2002, the report said.
Green was ultimately charged with driving under the influence (third offense more than 10 years) and refusal to submit (prior refusal). The New York native was transferred to LCJ correctional staff and released from jail after posting $6,000 bond.