Volusia deputy accused of driving drunk with child in patrol car

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — A Volusia County deputy has been arrested after she allegedly drove drunk with a child in her patrol car Saturday night.

Officials with the sheriff's office said 37-year-old Stephanie LeClerc has been charged with driving under the influence and child neglect.

LeClerc was in her patrol car when a witness spotted her driving erratically on State Road 415, authorities said. The witness called 911 and started recording video of her driving, which is being held as evidence.

Deputies caught up with LeClerc in New Smyrna Beach, according to an arrest report. The deputies who stopped her suspected she was driving under the influence and administered a field sobriety test, the report states. She was subsequently arrested for DUI.

The woman is also facing a child neglect charge because officials said a 7-year-old girl was sitting in the front seat of her patrol car. The child was unharmed.

LeClerc has been placed on administrative leave with pay following the arrest. She's been with the sheriff's office since 1999.

WFTV