In what's developing into a perplexing legal situation, DUI charges against an off-duty Osceola County sheriff's deputy were dismissed after a crash involving a Florida Highway Patrol cruiser. According to WESH, the incident occurred on Florida's Turnpike in Osceola County and resulted in minor injuries to a trooper.
Deputy Hunter Perkins, 30, was behind the wheel of a Dodge Ram when it allegedly hit the back of an unmarked patrol SUV, which then collided with a construction truck. Perkins allegedly told troopers at the scene he was "driving and then woke up in a ditch," and admitted to having consumed "two to three cups of wine" before driving. Despite these acknowledgments, a breath test administered several hours after the crash showed a blood alcohol level of 0.008, as reported by ClickOrlando.
The Orange-Osceola State Attorney's office dropped the charges against Perkins, though the reason behind this decision remains unspecified. Meanwhile, the Osceola County Sheriff's Office responded promptly, "The Osceola County Sheriff's Office is committed to ensuring our deputies are held to the highest ethical standards. It is very unfortunate to see a law enforcement officer arrested for violating the same laws they are sworn to uphold," reflecting its stance on the matter and affirming Perkins was relieved of his sworn duties. At the same time, the case is handled internally, as ClickOrlando detailed.
The Sheriff's Office has not yet disclosed further inquiry into whether Perkins will return to service or shed light on the due processes within the department.
