Hillsborough County deputies say a routine "person-down" call at a Plant City gas station turned into a DUI arrest Thursday night, after they found a Wimauma father passed out behind the wheel with his 5-year-old son in the backseat and a handgun visible inside the car.
The driver, identified as 26-year-old Patrick Voegtly, was taken into custody on suspicion of driving under the influence. Deputies say the child told them he was "just sleeping" in the backseat while his father sat slumped in the driver’s seat at a Shell station in Plant City.
According to a post from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, deputies were dispatched around 7:57 p.m. on a report of a person down. When they arrived, they say they found Voegtly unresponsive in the driver’s seat with the 5-year-old inside the vehicle and a handgun in plain view. Sheriff Chad Chronister called what deputies found "a complete disregard for safety" in the agency’s social media reel, which includes body camera-style footage and a brief exchange with the child.
What Deputies Say Happened
In its account of the incident, HCSO says deputies arrived at the Shell station to find Voegtly appearing unconscious in the driver’s seat while his 5-year-old son sat in the back. A handgun was visible inside the vehicle, according to the sheriff's office.
Deputies arrested Voegtly at the scene and transported him for processing on suspicion of DUI. The reel shared by HCSO does not spell out any additional charges. Investigators are reviewing the evidence, including the firearm, to determine whether more charges will be filed.
Legal Consequences For DUI With A Child
Under Florida law, having a passenger under 18 in the car at the time of a DUI is an aggravating factor that can increase penalties and trigger mandatory restrictions such as ignition interlock requirements, according to Florida Statutes section 316.193. Legislative analyses and state provisions outline that first-time offenders who have a minor in the vehicle can face enhanced penalties and may be ordered to install an ignition interlock device for at least six months if convicted.
Depending on the circumstances, courts can also impose fines, jail time, and driver’s license sanctions, with judges given some discretion within the statutory guidelines.
Local Context
Hillsborough deputies have previously removed children from vehicles in cases where firearms or illegal drugs were found, underscoring the agency’s focus on public safety when kids are involved. In one recent case, a traffic stop uncovered firearms and drugs and led to child-neglect charges, reflecting the county’s posture when minors are in potentially dangerous situations. Officials say they prioritize the safety of the children during arrests and investigations.
As of the sheriff’s post, the exact list of charges and Voegtly’s booking status had not yet been released. The HCSO reel is the only public notice so far, and the agency typically posts booking updates on its official channels. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
