‘Unruly’ DUI Suspect Throws Tantrum In Patrol Car, Kicking And Screaming

A Florida man arrested for DUI earlier this month got hit with an additional obstruction charge for his “unruly” behavior in the back of a deputy’s patrol car.

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office said 36-year-old David Stewart of St. Augustine was stopped at around 8:50 p.m. on April 4, and the deputy detected a “strong odor” of alcohol and observed signs of impairment. Stewart was “defensive and confused” and repeatedly asked if everything was on video.

Instead of producing his registration and proof of insurance, Stewart allegedly produced an envelope labeled “Title.” He asked “non-sensible” questions, including “Am I allowed to dig?” When the deputy asked to read the registration, Stewart said, “No you have a camera on your fing ass.”

Stewart was arrested, but video from the deputy’s patrol vehicle shows his trip to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility no easy ride. The video shows Stewart kicking the vehicle’s window, roof and the partition between the front and rear seats.

His “screaming” and “unruly” behavior prompted the deputy to activate lights and sirens en route to the jail, “which is extremely uncommon and was done due to Stewart’s behavior presenting a safety concerns.”

At the jail, breath samples indicated Stewart’s blood alcohol content was 0.17, more than twice the legal limit, though he claimed to have “only had one beer.”

Stewart was charged with DUI and obstruction without violence, “because no sheriff’s cars or feelings were harmed in the making of this video.”

“People see the video and laugh, but this is the reality our deputies face when someone chooses to get behind the wheel drunk. It’s dangerous, unpredictable, and it puts everyone at risk,” said Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly. “If you drive impaired in Flagler County, we will stop you, we will arrest you, and we will take you to jail, kicking and screaming.”