A drunk driving suspect was arrested after nearly hitting a motorcyclist in Leesburg.
Branden Michael Smith, 28, of Leesburg, was driving a brown Kia Soul on Wednesday afternoon on State Road 44 when a driver called 911 after seeing Smith’s vehicle nearly hit the motorcycle, according to an arrest report from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
A deputy began following Smith’s car. He stopped at the intersection of State Road 44 and Forrest Drive and did not proceed forward when the light turned green, the report said. During a subsequent traffic stop, it was noted that Smith had slurred speech and bloodshot eyes.
He initially agreed to participate in field sobriety exercises, but when they became too difficult, he admitted he had been drinking and said he could not continue with the exercises. He provided breath samples that registered .214 and .215 blood alcohol content.
He was arrested on a charge of driving under the influence and booked at the Lake County Jail. He was released after posting $1,000 bond.
