Omar Fernandez, the Civilian Division Chief for the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department, was arrested on DUI charges, as early records indicated he was booked into jail Monday morning. According to Local 10 News, the 50-year-old corrections officer was charged with DUI and DUI causing damage to property or a person and was later released the same morning.
After causing a crash in Kendall, Fernandez was discovered by Florida Highway Patrol troopers in his county-issued car, exhibiting signs of inebriation. With an obvious odor of alcoholic beverage emanating from him, his blood alcohol test levels were recorded at ".236 and .231," nearly three times over the legal limit, as per the 7News report. Despite being performed slurred, mumbled, and incoherent, witnesses identified him as the driver.
Following department protocols, the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department has placed Fernandez on administrative leave pending an internal investigation. "In accordance with department protocol, the employee was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation," the MDCR stated. This information was confirmed in the statements obtained by Local 10 News.
The SUV involved in the crash carried a woman and her teen child. The police report did not mention any injuries, but Fernandez was transported to a local hospital before being booked into the Miami-Dade County jail. When approached for comment during a door-knock by reporters yesterday, a family member said they had no comment.
