A New Smyrna Beach man was arrested for DUI when a deputy found an open pack of beer in his vehicle during a traffic stop.
A deputy observed a black Hyundai passenger car pass through a stop sign’s solid white stop bar without completely stopping at the intersection of County Roads 48 and 448A in Mount Dora around 6:49 p.m. Tuesday, according to an arrest report from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
The deputy conducted a traffic stop for the violation and approached 32-year-old Tyler Thomas Hobner, the driver, who was identified by his license. While speaking with him, the deputy noticed the odor of alcoholic beverage coming from his breath. He also observed Hobner to have slurred speech and glassy eyes, the report said.
The deputy asked Hobner if he had anything to drink, at which time he said, “No.” He was still asked to step out of the vehicle due to the deputy’s suspicion of him driving while under the influence of alcohol. As he did so, he was unable to maintain his balance, the report said.
Hobner was then asked to perform field sobriety exercises to determine if he was safe to drive, but he refused. He was still secured in hand restraints and placed in the back of the deputy’s patrol vehicle, the report said.
A subsequent inventorying of Hobner’s vehicle incident to arrest led to the discovery of an open 12 pack of cold Bud Light cans lying on the back seat. An open, empty can of Bud Light was observed on the front passenger floorboard, and it too was cold to the touch. A breath test taken later resulted in 0.286g/210L and 0.284g/210L, the report said.
The report noted Hobner had a prior refusal to submit from Jan. 21, and he again refused to sign the criminal court citation given to him in this case.
Hobner was ultimately charged with DUI and refusal to sign citation. He was also issued citations for the stop sign violation and the open container. He was transported to Lake County Jail and released after posting $7,500 bond.