A 76-year-old man from Florida, Charles Ducking, was stopped by authorities due to allegedly erratic driving on U.S. Highway 27 in Waverly. Ducking, reportedly with a suspended license, admitted to drinking rum and using cocaine during the traffic stop, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
The deputy involved noticed signs of impairment including slurred speech and watery eyes. Ducking acknowledged his license was suspended due to a previous DUI and showed the deputy a cup containing rum. During a vehicle search, authorities found cocaine, leading to Ducking admitting recent consumption.
“This here is my rum I’m drinking,” Ducking reportedly told the deputy.
Ducking’s past includes a DUI arrest in May. During sobriety testing, Ducking failed, and breath tests exceeded Florida’s legal limit, with readings of .094 and .095. Sheriff Grady Judd expressed concern over Ducking’s repeated offenses and praised deputies for their diligence in removing impaired drivers from roads.
Ducking faces multiple charges including DUI (fourth or subsequent offense), possession of cocaine, driving with a suspended license, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Previous records show Ducking has been arrested nine times in Polk County since 2001.
Sheriff Judd emphasized the importance of Ducking making life changes. The proactive efforts of deputies were commended for enhancing road safety.