Tampa Police Targeting DUI in 3 Areas
Tampa Police Targeting Drunk Drivers in New Tampa, Hyde Park and The Dale Mabry Corridor
TAMPA – Tampa police say 60% of the cities DUI crashes happen in three popular areas; Hyde Park, New Tampa and what’s known as the Dale Mabry Corridor.
It’s not long before Tampa Police Officer Tony Portman comes across a crash with a suspected drunk driver. The man admits he’s been drinking and mixing it with prescription drugs.
“Basically when you mix prescription medication with alcohol it heightens the affect of the drugs,” said Portman.
Have you been accused of DUI in Hyde Park or elsewhere in Tampa? If so, contact a Tampa DUI attorney at our firm for a free and confidential consultation.
After failing a field sobriety test, the man is arrested and taken to jail.
“Surprised he was drinking out here that early but he told me it’s been a hard day, so he’s been out roaming around. It just got worse for him,” said Officer Portman.
This is the first DUI arrest of the night. It kicks off a new DUI enforcement program called DUI Challenge.
“The challenge is to make a number of DUI arrests and hopefully reduce dui related crashes,” explained Corporal Amanda Wilson.
The agency with the most DUI arrests is recognized by the state.
Usually on Fridays happy hour kicks off early in Tampa and police are looking for those who are toasting the weekend and then sadly get behind the wheel.
Linda Unfried lost her sister to a drunk driver over 20 years ago, but the pain is just as fresh.
“It’s like a ripple affect. It’s like throwing a rock in the water and it ripples that how it is with families cause it continues to go on it affects so many people in the family,” said Unfried.
The Florida Department of Transportation is encouraging law enforcement agencies from all over to participate.
Recently the Hillsborough Sheriff’s DUI squad was recognized for their vigorous DIU enforcement. Tampa police want to make sure that reputation continues.
Tags: Hyde Park DUI
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