Man Shamelessly Attempts To Bribe Police

Bodycam Video Captures Man Attempting to Bribe Police After BUI Arrest

On Sunday, September 1, 2024, at approximately 7:15 PM, an officer from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) was patrolling near the west end of Dog Island in Franklin County, Florida. While on patrol, the officer observed a center console vessel with two occupants that lacked a visible vessel safety decal. Activating blue lights, the officer initiated a stop for a safety inspection.

As the officer approached, the vessel’s operator, identified by a Georgia driver’s license, appeared unsteady, swaying at the helm. A strong odor of alcohol was present, and crushed alcoholic beverage containers were visible near the stern. During the safety check, the operator struggled to retrieve required equipment, bracing himself against the helm and console. His speech was slurred, and the officer detected alcohol on his breath.

Suspecting impairment, the officer began a Boating Under the Influence (BUI) investigation. The operator admitted to drinking earlier at a local establishment and throughout the day. He agreed to perform field sobriety tasks on the patrol boat but appeared unbalanced and unsteady. Conducting standardized field sobriety tasks (SFSTs) from a seated position, the officer observed multiple signs of impairment, leading to the operator’s arrest for BUI.

After being handcuffed and searched, the operator repeatedly attempted to bribe the officer, offering cash for his release. Despite multiple warnings that this was unlawful, he continued to make the offer. The operator’s vessel was towed to the Carrabelle Coast Guard Station, a process taking 45 minutes. During this time, the officer ensured no foreign substances were in the operator’s mouth that could interfere with the Intoxilyzer 8000 breath test.

Meanwhile, the vessel’s second occupant became uncooperative, refusing to fully identify himself. As the vessel was towed, the operator was repeatedly instructed to remain seated but continued attempting to stand. While allowing the operator to make phone calls, the officer intervened when his speech became aggressive and profane.

During the return trip, the officer observed the second occupant placing an unknown substance into the operator’s mouth. When confronted, both denied the action. The officer physically opened the operator’s mouth, forcing him to expel two small white pouches, restarting the observation period. The second occupant was arrested for obstruction, and the operator was charged with obstruction for willfully interfering with the investigation.
Upon arrival at the Coast Guard station, a search of the vessel uncovered multiple empty alcoholic beverage containers near the helm, on the floor, and inside a cooler bag, along with unopened alcohol. The vessel was released to a friend.

Both individuals were transported to the Franklin County Jail. While in transit, the second occupant admitted to understanding his arrest, acknowledging that placing a substance in the operator’s mouth was a poor decision. At the detention facility, the operator provided two breath samples on the Intoxilyzer 8000, measuring 0.209 and 0.211 grams per 210L of breath—well over the legal limit.