A Fort White man was arrested on a drunk driving charge when a trooper noticed signs of intoxication after stopping him for speeding on Interstate 75 in Sumter County.
A trooper observed the driver of a white Jeep Grand Wagoneer, later identified as 35-year-old Bradley Jan Taylor, speeding northbound on I-75 near mile marker 312 at around 9:40 p.m. Monday, according to an arrest report from the Florida Highway Patrol. Radar confirmed the vehicle to be going 95 miles per hour in a 70-mph zone.
The trooper then stopped the vehicle and approached Taylor. While speaking with him, he noticed Taylor’s eyes were glassy and watery, and his face looked flush. His tinted windows also appeared to be darker than allowed by state statute, and his registration had expired as of Feb. 1, 2024, the report said.
A check of Taylor’s driving history showed his license was not valid. The trooper next used a tint meter on the windows to see the front measured at 5 percent light transmittance while the back measured at 1 percent, the report said.
As the trooper interacted with Taylor, he detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from the vehicle. He asked Taylor to step out and stand in front of the patrol vehicle. The trooper noticed the odor of alcohol coming from his breath as he spoke, the report said.
Based on his observations and the odor, the trooper asked Taylor if he was willing to perform field sobriety exercises. He refused to do so twice, even after the trooper explained his investigation would be based on observations alone. He later refused to provide a breath sample, as well, the report said.
Taylor was ultimately arrested for DUI and transported to Sumter County Detention Center. He was released after posting $1,000 bond.