A Punta Gorda man was arrested after being accused of crashing into a school bus while under the influence of narcotics.
According to the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, a Punta Gorda police officer responded to a traffic crash with injuries in the area of Cooper Street and McKenzie Street at around 7 a.m.
CCSO said that a car crashed head-on into a Charlotte County School Bus during school hours when the speed limit was 15 mph.
The driver of the car was identified as EF. The officer noticed F appeared to be under the effects of an unknown substance, CCSO said.
F was transported to a hospital, as was an additional passenger in F’s car, CCSO said.
After F was cleared of any potential head injuries by hospital staff, CCSO deputies arrived at the hospital and attempted to read F his implied consent for blood samples, which he declined.
Officers attempted to read F his Miranda Rights, during which he appeared to fall asleep, CCSO said.
On a second attempt, F agreed to a blood sample and was successfully read his Miranda Rights. At this time, the investigation changed from a traffic crash to a criminal investigation for DUI, CCSO said.
During the course of the investigation, two pill bottles were located, one for oxycodone with a quantity of 120 and one for morphine with a quantity of 60. Both bottles were found empty, CCSO said.
F admitted to taking a dose of Morphine earlier that morning, according to CCSO.
F had also been observed driving erratically, swerving in between lanes before crashing head-on into the Charlotte County School bus, CCSO said.
F was placed under arrest for DUI and searched. The search revealed a small metal container filled with white pills, which were tested and found to be Xanax, CCSO said.
It was also discovered that F was on probation for possession of narcotics and drug paraphernalia, CCSO said.
F faces the following charges:
- DUI
- DUI damage to property or person
- DUI damage to property or person
- Possession of a controlled substance without a prescription
- Possession or use of drug paraphernalia
- Violation of probation
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Source: gulfcoastnewsnow
