A Center Hill man was arrested for drunk driving on the way to get dog food at Dollar General.
A deputy observed a burgundy Ford F-150 traveling westbound on South Washington Avenue at around 10 p.m. Tuesday, according to an arrest report from the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. A check of the tag revealed the registered owner, 32-year-old Benjamin Eric Lopez, had a suspended license.
The deputy subsequently stopped the vehicle near the intersection of East Orange Street and Washington Avenue. He explained to Lopez the reason he was stopped, and Lopez stated he went up the road to Dollar General to get food for his dogs, the report said.
Lopez then got out of the vehicle, put his hands behind his back and said, “Arrest me, I’m done.” When asked why he wanted to be placed under arrest, he replied, “Because I went to go get food for my dogs.” He also advised that he knew his license was suspended due to child support responsibilities, the report said.
The deputy could immediately smell the odor of alcoholic drinks coming from Lopez, who appeared highly intoxicated. His eyes were bloodshot and glassy, and his speech was slurred. He admitted to drinking when asked but would not say what he drank or how long ago his last drink was, the report said.
Based on the signs of impairment, the deputy asked Lopez to participate in field sobriety exercises, which he agreed to do. They moved to the street in front of the patrol vehicle to do them. After stepping away from Lopez’ vehicle, the deputy could smell the odor of alcohol coming from his breath. It became stronger as he spoke, and he swayed while he stood, the report said.
During the exercises, Lopez had to stop walking to steady himself and used his arms for balance. He also continued to sway and skipped numbers while counting. The multiple indicators of impairment throughout each exercise led the deputy to conclude Lopez was under the influence of alcohol to the extent he was impaired and unable to safely drive, the report said.
While completing an inventory of Lopez’ vehicle, the deputy found a 100mL bottle of tequila inside the driver’s door compartment. There was an opened 12-pack of 8oz Corona beer with only six beers left in the box in the middle of the backseat. There were also multiple empty Corona cans in the bed of the truck, the report said.
Lopez was ultimately arrested on charges of DUI and driving while license suspended. He was transported to Sumter County Jail to be held without bond.