A Bradenton man in a new pickup was arrested on a drunk driving charge after driving erratically in Fruitland Park.
Around 6:05 p.m. Wednesday, an officer noticed the driver of a blue 2025 Toyota pickup truck, later identified as 40-year-old Tomas Soto Lorenzo, weaving in and out of lanes on U.S. Hwy. 27/441, according to an arrest report from the Fruitland Park Police Department.
As the officer continued southbound, he noticed the truck driving faster than the traffic flow. According to the complaint, it was rush hour, so all three lanes were consistently full of traffic. He witnessed the truck switch from lane to lane, either without using the turn signal or while already changing lanes.
The truck would change lanes when there was only a car length between the two vehicles that were originally in the lane, affecting the rear vehicle. The officer remained focused on the truck while other drivers in vehicles beside him pointed at it, as if trying to draw his attention to its dangerous behavior. He drove his patrol vehicle alongside and to the side of it around the crossroads of Dixie Avenue, according to the complaint.
The officer attempted to make his presence known so that Soto Lorenzo would notice law enforcement and stop driving dangerously. However, this was not the case, as Soto Lorenzo appeared to be attempting to dodge law enforcement by abruptly moving into a turn lane. The officer was still able to approach directly behind him, according to the report.
The light did not appear to be cycling for a U-turn, so the officer approached the vehicle and instructed Soto Lorenzo not to drive recklessly. He noted that Soto Lorenzo’s eyes were bloodshot and watery. The report stated that he could not understand Soto Lorenzo’s response.
The officer executed a traffic stop with emergency lights to ensure the safety of motorists on the route. He then approached the vehicle and smelled an alcoholic beverage emanating from within. Soto Lorenzo stated he was going to a hotel “over there,” but he couldn’t tell where, according to the report.
Soto Lorenzo instead gestured north, the opposite direction he was headed. He stated that he was returning from work. The officer saw that his speech was slow and slurred as he murmured statements and queries to him. The report states that when the officer asked him how much he had to drink, he responded, “None.”
When the officer informed Soto Lorenzo of his observations, he stated that he had one or two beers. According to the report, he gradually increased the number of beers he claimed during the encounter. According to the report, the officer suspected he was under the influence based on all of his observations.
The officer invited Soto Lorenzo to participate in field sobriety exercises, to which he accepted. While waiting for more officers to come on the scene, he kept asking the officer how he liked his truck. He then told him he owned his firm and could afford a new pickup truck, according to the investigation.
The exercises were eventually called off due to concerns over Soto Lorenzo’s safety. His display, which included losing his balance and striking a karate position, caused the officer to believe he was impaired. He later gave breath samples of 0.153 g/210 L and 0.162 g/210 L before seeking legal counsel, according to the report.
Soto Lorenzo was arrested on suspicion of DUI and taken to Lake County Jail. The Mexican citizen was released after paying a $1,000 bond.
