Fla. sheriff's deputy arrested for DUI

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Naples Daily News

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. — A Collier County deputy was arrested Wednesday morning after Florida Highway Patrol officials say he crashed his SUV while driving drunk.

According to FHP reports, a trooper responded to a single-vehicle accident near Davis and Falling Waters boulevards shortly after midnight Wednesday.

In the report, the trooper said he was met by Collier County Sheriff's Deputy Timothy Shaw. Shaw identified the driver of the red Nissan SUV as Jose A. Lopez, 41, a deputy with the Sheriff's Office. Shaw told the trooper that Lopez was possibly under the influence.

After finishing at the scene of the accident, the trooper continued the investigation at NCH Downtown Naples Hospital, where Lopez was transported for treatment, reports said.

During an interview, the trooper noticed that Lopez's breath had a strong alcohol smell, his face was flush and his eyes were bloodshot, glassy and watery, according to the report.

He later refused to take a blood test and asked for a lawyer.

Lopez was arrested, charged with DUI and DUI property damage.

Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Karie Partington said Lopez has been assigned to administrative duty pending the outcome of his case.

When reached by phone, Lopez declined to comment.

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