A Florida man was arrested after being found passed out in the driver’s seat of his truck with his 5-year-old son alone in the back and unsecured guns nearby, authorities said.
Man Arrested in Florida With Child and Guns in Vehicle
Patrick Voegtly, 26, faces charges including child neglect, improper exhibition of a firearm, and driving under the influence (DUI). The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office responded to a Shell gas station in Plant City, about 40 miles east of Tampa, shortly before 8 p.m. on Thursday.
Deputies found Voegtly asleep in his pickup truck at the gas pump, while his young son sat alone in the backseat.
Deputy’s Body Camera Footage
Body camera footage shows deputies noticing a gun on Voegtly’s hip. Another firearm was found under the seat. When asked how many guns he had, Voegtly began waking up. He was ordered out of the vehicle but reportedly resisted arrest, while the child cried in the background.
“My son is behind you,” Voegtly allegedly said.
“I get that,” the deputy replied. “You have guns on you.”
Voegtly was eventually taken into custody. Deputies noted that he had slurred speech and glassy eyes. His blood alcohol content (BAC) was more than twice the legal limit of 0.08.
Authorities Respond
Sheriff Chad Chronister said, “This reckless decision could have ended in tragedy. Driving under the influence is dangerous enough, but doing so with a child in the vehicle while armed shows a complete disregard for the safety of others. Thankfully, deputies intervened before anyone was seriously hurt.”
Booking and Court
Voegtly was taken to the Hillsborough County Jail and later posted bond on Saturday. No court date has been scheduled at this time.
