A Lakeland woman is facing multiple charges after deputies say she was spotted driving with a bloody hand while drinking from a bottle of alcohol, then became combative during a DUI investigation on Saturday evening.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began around 7:00 p.m. on April 5, 2025, when deputies responded to reports of a woman drinking alcohol and bleeding while driving southbound on Lakeland Highlands Road. A responding deputy observed a grey Mazda, Florida tag Z74CIM, make an abrupt turn onto Highway 540A westbound, then initiated a traffic stop at the intersection of Highway 540A and S. Florida Avenue.
Upon activating emergency lights, the deputy reported that the vehicle crossed several lanes without hesitation and came to a stop in a turn lane — then began slowly reversing. The driver, later identified as Michela Drewell Hames (DOB 02/13/1996), allegedly refused initial commands to stop the vehicle and had to be escorted out by the deputy. When approached, Hames attempted to hand over a black plastic bag containing an empty bottle of E&J Brandy.
Deputies noted signs of impairment, including the strong odor of alcohol and erratic behavior. Hames, a South Carolina native, allegedly became agitated during questioning and made vulgar remarks toward the officer before being detained. Despite repeated requests, she refused to participate in any standardized field sobriety tests.
Hames admitted to drinking alcohol and smoking cannabis earlier in the day, deputies said.
After being placed under arrest, Hames reportedly resisted escort into the Sheriff’s Processing Center and allegedly spit on the arresting deputy, striking his shoulder. She was placed in an individual containment cell following continued combative behavior.
Following medical treatment for a cut on her hand, Hames was later administered a breath test. Her blood alcohol concentration registered at .140 and .148, nearly twice the legal limit of .08 in Florida.
She now faces the following charges:
• DUI (F.S.S. 316.193)
• Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer (F.S.S. 784.07(2)(b))
• Resisting an Officer with Violence (F.S.S. 843.01)
• Resisting an Officer without Violence (F.S.S. 843.02)