Thursday, December 31, 2009

Deputy James Pruitt Arrested for Drunk Driving

Polk County deputies arrested one of their own this morning after finding the officer passed out behind the steering wheel of his Jeep.

Sheriff's Deputy James Pruitt was charged with driving under the influence, the Polk County Sheriff's Office said.

Deputies found Pruitt, 37, passed out at the steering wheel of his 1997 Jeep about 7 a.m. The engine was running when deputies found the vehicle at the entrance of the Pier Place subdivision, the sheriff's office said.

Pruitt was taken to the Polk County Jail after deputies gave him field sobriety tests. He refused to submit to a breath test, the sheriff's office said.

The department hired Pruitt in April 1994 and he was assigned to the Southeast Division patrol. He is suspended without pay until the department finishes an internal investigation, the sheriff's office said.

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