A jockey born in Ireland was arrested Thursday night on charges of stalking and drunk driving in Ocala.
Marion County sheriff’s deputies responded to SE 24th Avenue to assist with a traffic stop, according to an arrest report. During the course of the investigation, it was determined that the vehicle’s driver, 45-year-old Brian John Halligan of Ocala, was possibly under the influence.
Deputies were also investigating a complaint that a woman had received repeated phone calls from Halligan in which he said he was going to “get her.” The woman called 911.
A rifle pellet gun was found on the passenger seat of the car.
Deputies made contact with Halligan, and could smell a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his breath. His eyes were observed to be bloodshot and watery. When asked if he had been drinking, Halligan stated no at first but said he drank two beers “way earlier.”
He failed field sobriety exercises and provided breath samples that registered .138 and .127 blood alcohol content.
He was booked at the Marion County Jail where he was initially being held without bond.
He is facing charges of stalking and DUI.
Halligan apparently is married, as he provided his wife’s name and phone number as next of kin, according to the arrest report.
