SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — A Seminole County deputy is in legal trouble after investigators said he drove drunk and caused a three-car crash on Interstate 4.
The crash happened New Year’s Eve at the same time Deputy Paul Reiss’ fellow officers warned the public of DUI crackdowns.
Channel 9’s Mario Boone went to Reiss’ home Wednesday night.
When Boone asked him about the crash, Reiss said, “The Sheriff’s Office has a public information officer.”
According to the crash report, witnesses told troopers Reiss was weaving in and out of the eastbound lanes just before he crashed near Lee Road.
Witnesses said Reiss attempted to change seats with his female passenger.
A trooper noted the off-duty deputy had a strong odor of alcohol with bloodshot, glassy eyes.
The arrest report states that Reiss was driven to a nearby 7-Eleven where troopers intended to give Reiss a sobriety test, but Reiss said no and refused to cooperate.
Once the 33-year-old reached the Orange County Jail, he refused to take a breathalyzer.
A Seminole County spokesperson said Reiss has been suspended with pay while the matter is investigated.
WFTV
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