A former police officer who was fired for drinking on the job was accused of driving under the influence in Polk County.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said Michael Dimeglio, 42, nearly crashed into a deputy’s patrol vehicle on Socrum Loop Road North in Lakeland on Saturday.
Deputies reported Dimeglio’s Camaro veering between lanes and into oncoming traffic. A deputy stopped him after a near-collision, noting that he “failed to stop his car multiple times before finally coming to a stop.”
Dimeglio’s breath smelled of alcohol and he had bloodshot, watery eyes, according to PCSO.
“When asked for his driver’s license, he began patting his pockets then looked up without saying anything,” a sheriff’s office news release said. “He was asked a second time, to which he reacted as if he had forgotten and looked within his center console, looked up, and failed to respond again. After being asked for the third time, he claimed the license was in the trunk.”
Dimeglio was described as being unsteady when he exited the car and needed to learn on it for support. Deputies said he slurred his speech.
He told deputies he was driving back from the beach and consumed alcohol while he was there, according to PCSO. He had a BAC of 0.168 and was charged with DUI.
“This reckless behavior put lives in danger, and it’s especially disappointing coming from someone who once wore a badge. Law enforcement officers are held to a higher standard, and this former officer made a choice that could have cost lives,” Sheriff Grady Judd said.
Throw the book at him.