POLK COUNTY, Fla. – A 32-year-old man from Mexico, Jose Horacio Santiago Aguirre, was arrested Monday evening on suspicion of driving under the influence after mistaking a Polk County Sheriff’s deputy for a friend.
The incident occurred at approximately 9:13 p.m. near the intersection of 8th Street NW and Oak Avenue in Fort Meade. Deputy Leon was conducting an investigation in the area when a gray 2017 Chevy Silverado pulled up. Aguirre exited the vehicle and approached the deputy, saying, “Oh, I thought you were my buddy Daniel.”
READ: Polk County: Dundee Man Charged With DUI After Crashing Into Deputy’s Car In Haines City
Aguirre’s confusion appears to have stemmed from his intoxicated state. Deputies observed that Aguirre exhibited signs of impairment, including watery, bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and swaying. His breath also smelled of alcohol.
After performing poorly on field sobriety tests, Aguirre was arrested by Deputy Leon on suspicion of DUI. He was transported to the Polk County Jail, where he provided breath samples registering 0.225 and 0.226, well over twice the legal limit of 0.08.
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Jose Horacio Santiago Aguirre was charged with DUI 0.15 or higher (a misdemeanor).
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