On Dec. 3, Texas authorities used a stun gun to subdue a suspected drunk driver during a holiday toy drive. The incident occurred at approximately 5:35 p.m. in Southlake.
According to local media reports, the defendant drove his white Mercedes into the drop-off zone of a Toys for Tots event run by the U.S. Marine Corps, Southlake Public Safety officers and local volunteers. However, when officers spoke with him, they noticed that there was an “overwhelming” smell of alcohol on his breath. They asked him to pull over, but he did not comply. Instead, he drove the wrong way into a one-way area where volunteers were gathering the donated toys.
The officers chased after the defendant and ordered him to exit the vehicle. He reportedly refused to comply and started fighting the officers. Officers then used pepper spray and a stun gun to bring him under control. The man was arrested and charged with suspicion of DWI, resisting arrest and assault on a public servant. He also failed to bring a toy to donate, so it is not known why he stopped at the event.
Individuals convicted of drunk driving charges can face jail time, fines and the suspension of their driver’s license. If they are allowed to continue driving, they may also be forced to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle at their own expense. A defense attorney may review the details of the evidence and attempt to poke holes in the prosecution’s case. Under some circumstances, these efforts might cause the case to be dismissed. In others, they may be used as leverage to negotiate a plea deal that reduces the charges.
Source: FOX 4 News, “Suspected drunken driver tased at Southlake Toys for Tots event,” Dec. 4, 2018
