PLANT CITY, Fla. – A man from Wimauma has been arrested for driving under the influence after being stopped at a Shell gas station in Plant City.
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According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a call at 7:57 p.m. Thursday about a person-down call.
When deputies arrived, they found Patrick Voegtly, 26, passed out in the driver’s seat of his truck next to a gas pump.
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Voegtly’s five-year-old son was in the backseat and could be heard crying. HCSO said the child told deputies, “He’s just sleeping.”
Deputies say a handgun was visible inside the vehicle.Â
Courtesy: Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
Voegtly was arrested and charged with the following:
- Driving under the influence (over 0.15)
- Child neglect
- Improper exhibition of a dangerous weapon or firearm
“This reckless decision could have ended in tragedy,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Driving under the influence is dangerous enough, but doing so with a child in the vehicle while armed shows a complete disregard for the safety of others. Thankfully, deputies intervened before anyone was seriously hurt.”
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