July 20, 2020) – A woman was arrested for driving under the influence after she drove around officers at a crash scene and onto the wrong side of the road.
On July 19th, 2020 shortly before midnight, Cape Coral Police Patrol officers were working a serious crash scene at the 300 block of Tropicana Parkway East. The crash had necessitated the blockage of the westbound lanes, which an officer did using his patrol car with the lights activated. While working the crash, officers observed a blue Ford Explorer go around the officer’s vehicle, drive through the grass median and continue westbound on the wrong side of the road.
The officers stopped the Explorer and made contact with the driver, Amanda Rodriguez (W/F, DOB: 9-3-87). Officers saw signs of impairment in Rodriguez, and she was confused about what area of the city she was currently in. After performing poorly on standardized field sobriety exercises, Rodriguez was arrested for driving under the influence. She did agree to a breath test, which resulted in a BAC (blood alcohol content) percentage of .000. An officer trained as a Drug Recognition Expert responded to conduct a Drug Influence Evaluation and determined Rodriguez was under the influence of narcotics. She was then transported to the Lee County Jail.
“This is an example of the serious dangers posed to our officers and to anyone driving on our roadways by impaired drivers. It is also a clear example of ‘under the influence’ not necessarily meaning alcohol. Do NOT operate a vehicle while your normal faculties are affected, whether by alcohol or drugs both legally prescribed or illegal.” ~Master Corporal Phil Mullen, Public Affairs Office
