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Belle Isle police officer resigns following DUI arrest in DeBary

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — A Belle Isle police officer resigned on Monday following his arrest for driving under the influence.

According to deputies, 33-year-old Ivar Ruiz was arrested Monday morning on multiple charges, including driving under the influence and refusal to submit to DUI testing after being pulled over in the 100 block of S Charles R Beall Blvd in DeBary.

Volusia County deputies said they observed a blue Chevrolet pickup drifting between lanes and driving for nearly a mile with its turn signal on.

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According to the arrest report, deputies clocked the pickup going 55 mph in a 40 mph zone and initiated a traffic stop.

Deputies made contact with the driver, who was identified by his Florida Driver’s license as Ivar Ruiz

According to deputies, Ruiz’s speech was slow and slurred and his eyes were bloodshot. Deputies said they could smell alcohol on Ruiz’s breath as he spoke.

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Deputies ask Ruiz if he had been drinking and he responded, “I was earlier,” according to the arrest report.

Deputies asked Ruiz if he would perform a field sobriety exercise and he agreed.

At this point, Ruiz told the deputy that he was not wearing pants, and asked to put some on prior to exiting the vehicle.

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After putting on his pants Ruiz exited the vehicle and began performing sobriety exercises administered by the deputy.

After taking initial tests Ruiz advised the deputy he did not wish to continue with the exercises.

According to deputies, they explained to Ruiz that if he did not wish to perform remainder of the exercises, they would need to put him under arrest decision based on observations so far. Ruiz indicated he understood, and still did not wish to continue with the exercises.

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Deputies placed Ruiz under arrest for driving under the influence.

Ruiz also refused to provided a sample of his breath for the purpose of determining its alcohol content, deputies said.

Ruiz was transported to VCBJ without incident.

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According to Belle Isle police, Ruiz was was hired in June 2017 and worked as a patrol officer.

“I am very disappointed to learn of this arrest,” said Chief Laura Houston. “As law enforcement officers, we are held to the highest standards of conduct whether on duty or off duty.”

Once the criminal proceedings are complete, a Belle Isle Police Department said they begin their own investigation, which will be made public once complete.

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