MOUNT DORA, Fla. — An assistant state attorney in Lake County has been suspended for suspected drunk driving, and a Mount Dora police officer's actions are under review for not arresting him.
TRAFFIC STOP: Raw Video | Images
The police chief of Mount Dora launched an investigation into the traffic stop. WFTV obtained police dash camera video of the stop, showing Officer Chuck Gregory pulling over William Charles Gula for swerving and speeding on Highway 46 in Mount Dora Saturday morning. Gregory says he could smell what he thought was alcohol in Gula's car. Gregory asked Gula to take a field sobriety test, but Gula refused.
"You've got a slurred speech. You have red glassy eyes," Gregory said to Gula.
"I mean I will tell you the truth. I mean…I had a few beers but I went to…. " Gula stated.
"William, save it. You didn't have a few beers," Gregory said.
Gregory decided not to arrest Gula. The officer said he thought the case wasn't strong enough. Instead, he drove Gula home and told him he was going to notify State Attorney Brad King. Gregory also later sent a memo about the incident to the police chief of Mount Dora.
Mount Dora Police Chief Randy Scoggins said Gula should have been arrested. Scoggins said his officer had a right to use his discretion about what to do during the traffic stop, but he disagreed with his decision not to make an arrest.
"It's certainly not the policy of the Mount Dora Police Department and as soon as I found out about it, I took action as the police chief," Scoggins said.
With no Breathalyzer and field test, Scoggins said this is not the strongest case, but the video and his officer's account will help.
Scoggins ordered an arrest warrant for Gula on Monday. But a judge denied it, forcing officers to issue a summons to appear in court for DUI.
"Because I think you should be held accountable for manner, what I saw tonight. Because I think if I arrest you for DUI and you're convicted I don't know this, but you're probably at risk for losing your career," Gregory was heard saying in the video.
Gula has been suspended from his job, but State Attorney Brad King is waiting to see that dash cam video and a report before deciding what to do next.
Gregory's conduct is under review and investigators said he will be punished.
WFTV
