A Hillsborough County elementary school teacher is facing drunk driving allegations after deputies say he was pulled over in Tampa on Sunday, showed signs of impairment, and then refused to provide a breath sample. Deputies identified the driver as Jacob Cohen, a teacher at Davis Elementary School, and said the traffic stop and arrest prompted an active investigation by the sheriff’s office.
Deputies Say Cohen Showed Signs Of Impairment, Then Declined Breath Test
According to WFLA, deputies pulled Cohen over in Tampa and reported that he agreed to perform field sobriety exercises at the scene. After that, deputies say he refused to submit a breath sample. The outlet reports that investigators noted multiple indicators of impairment, and Cohen was booked on charges that include driving under the influence and refusing to submit to testing.
Sheriff Blasts Alleged DUI As ‘Dangerous And Reckless’
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said Cohen showed “multiple indicators of impairment” and confirmed that the investigation remains active. Sheriff Chad Chronister, in a statement released through his agency, called driving under the influence “a dangerous and reckless decision that puts lives at risk,” according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
Case Heads To Prosecutors, With Extra Penalties Possible For Refusal
Cohen currently faces charges for DUI and for refusing to submit to testing, and the sheriff’s office says it will continue to investigate the incident. Prosecutors will decide whether to move forward with formal charges. The report notes that refusing to provide a breath sample can carry its own penalties under Florida law, on top of any DUI case, according to WFLA.
