A man in Leesburg, Florida, is facing mulitple charges after allegedly driving under the influence and then refusing to participate in field sobriety tests or provide a breath test. As per the police, the man admitted to officers that he was an “alcoholic, not a druggie.”
As reported by Leesburg News, citing a Leesburg Police Department (LPD) arrest report, the incident occurred on Wednesday, June 10. At around 7:15 a.m., LPD officers responded to a motor vehicle accident.
At a Mobil gas station located on 225 E Boulevard, officers came across a driver later identified as 47-year-old Cory Frederick Silcox. He was sitting in his red pickup truck after allegedly crashing into another vehicle.
As officers approached, however, they allegedly noticed signs of impairment. As per the arrest report, these signs included glossy eyes, a noticeable alcohol odor, and stumbling.
An Attempted Explanation of a Crash
While talking to officers, Silcox attempted to explain what had happened. According to him, he was driving and turned onto North Canal Street. As he did, however, he crashed into another vehicle, the report detailed.
Silcox had exited the vehicle shortly after officers responded to the location. He was allegedly stumbling, so he leaned back on the car to regain his footing.
At one point, officers requested him to point them to the exact location where he turned. However, as he was on the way to the spot, he was accused of continuously stumbling and swaying.
Lost for Words
LPD officers and Silcox continued their conversation. However, officers noted in the report that the 47-year-old man appeared confused.
As per the police, the man would stop talking and just keep staring at the vehicle without saying anything further. When asked if he was okay, he responded that he was, but the staring went on.
The staring was cut short when Silcox was told to walk back to his truck. Again, he allegedly stumbled, just as he did before.
‘Alcoholic’ Admission
At this point, officers asked Silcox to participate in field sobriety tests after witnessing the behavior described above. He allegedly refused, and he was immediately arrested.
Furthermore, according to the police, the man, as a search ensued, stated at the scene, “I’m an alcoholic, not a druggie.” Then, he is accused of refusing a breathalyzer test.
As a result of his alleged refusals, Cory Frederick Silcox was charged with driving under the influence and refusal to submit to DUI testing. Furthermore, records showed that he had a previous refusal instance from August 2024, albeit with no convictions.
Silcox was booked into the Lake County Jail. He has since been released after posting $4,000 bond.