A 76-year-old Florida man is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after law enforcement officers pulled him over and discovered he was allegedly driving under the influence for the fourth time.
Charles Ducking of Lake Wales was taken into custody by Polk County Sheriff’s deputies along U.S. Highway 27 in the Waverly area. The traffic stop was initiated after a deputy noticed a vehicle swerving erratically across the lanes of traffic.
Upon approaching the vehicle, the intercepting deputy immediately noted several strong indicators of intoxication. According to the arrest report, Ducking emitted a potent odor of alcohol. The deputy also observed physical signs of impairment, including watery eyes and slurred speech during the brief roadside interaction.
When the deputy asked Ducking to provide his driver’s license and vehicle registration, the motorist admitted he could not produce a valid credential. A subsequent check of his records revealed that his driving privileges were already under a prior suspension.
Investigators stated that Ducking was operating the vehicle while under the influence of a combination of rum and cocaine. Because of his criminal history involving prior drunk driving offenses, this incident constitutes his fourth DUI arrest.
Ducking now faces serious legal consequences, including charges of driving under the influence as a repeat offender and operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license. He was transported to the county jail following the traffic stop.
