The Tampa Bay Times had a brief story about DUI arrests in Pinellas over the Memorial Day weekend.
15 people were arrested for driving under the influence and one person was arrested for DUI manslaughter by Pinellas County law enforcement.
This took place during a DUI “wolf pack” operation that took place between 8p.m. Saturday and 5a.m. Sunday. Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office combined with Saint Petersburg, Largo, Gulfport and Tarpon Springs police agencies.
A “wolf pack” is a term used when police make an effort to bring attention to DUIs. Using special patrols or often “sobriety checkpoints”, police can often make numerous arrests during known drinking holidays. Often it is a coordinated effort between numerous jurisdictions and agencies. During this operation, police also arrested other drivers on a variety of charges, from a DUI involving serious bodily injury to illegal drug charges.
This operation might have come in handy just a few days later after a driving mishap in Saint Petersburg. In a story that drew quite a bit of attention, 59-year-old David Ellis drove his minivan over the bridge and into the water Tuesday afternoon.
The accident took place near Snell Isle and Coffee Pot Blvd NE. Mr. Ellis suffered minor injuries but refused medical treatment. The reason for the accident soon became clear. David was arrested for an enhanced DUI and blew a .273 and .264, over three times the legal limit! This was not his first brush with the law as he was found to have at least two prior DUI convictions.
Have you or a loved one been arrested for a DUI or possession of a controlled substance? Then call the Saint Petersburg DUI defense lawyers at Blake & Dorsten, P.A. today! These former prosecutors are experienced trial attorneys.
Blake & Dorsten, P.A. handles all criminal and car accident cases along the Gulf Coast including Saint Petersburg, Clearwater, Gulfport, Pinellas Park, Tarpon Springs, Tampa, Largo, Seminole, Feathersound, Bradenton, Sarasota, New Port Richey and Kenneth City.
To speak directly to your Pinellas criminal defense attorney, click on the contact button or call 727.286.6141. Blake & Dorsten, P.A…when your case matters!