SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — 9 Investigates why a Seminole County Sheriff’s Office captain wasn’t given a medical evaluation or sobriety test after being found passed out in traffic, his engine running and his foot on the brake, at a Seminole County intersection.
Channel 9 investigative reporter Karla Ray was the only one to obtain video of the incident, which shows a responding deputy giving the captain a fist bump before sending him on his way.
READ: How do you know if you have the delta variant; what are the symptoms?
An agency spokesperson said responding deputies did not believe the driver was impaired or having a medical complication, but there is no way to know for sure, because no screenings were done.
On July 8, not far from Chuluota along County Road 419, concerned drivers called deputies and firefighters to check on a driver in an SUV.
The man behind the wheel wasn’t moving, but the vehicle wasn’t in park, so two Seminole County deputies used their vehicles to box it in, before pounding on the window for a full minute to wake the driver.
READ: Teen behind bars, charged in the shooting death of another teen, deputies say
“He either ODed or asleep?” one deputy speculated on body camera video.
The driver’s face is blurred in the video provided by the sheriff’s office, but we learned it is Capt. Kip Beacham, who oversees the Community Justice and Rehabilitation Division, according to the sheriff’s office website. He is a 24-year-veteran with the agency.
“Did you fall asleep? What happened?” a responding deputy questioned before realizing who the driver was.
READ: Who is Wally Funk, the 82-year-old woman who just went to space?
“I’m a captain with the sheriff’s office,” Beacham is heard saying on camera.
“Oh, oh, (expletive), I’m sorry, man,” the responding deputy said.
Almost as quickly as crews arrived, they were ready to go. The off-duty captain, who was asleep in traffic just moments earlier, was allowed back out onto the roads without a screening by EMTs on site, a sobriety check, or further questioning.
READ: Coronavirus: Carnival to restart vaccinated-only sailings of 7 ships from US ports this fall
“You’re good, just leave, this didn’t happen,” a responding deputy said while laughing.
9 Investigates asked whether there was a policy in place dictating what would trigger a sobriety or medical check before someone is allowed to drive away in a situation like this. A sheriff’s office spokesperson said every situation is unique, and it is ultimately the deputy’s discretion based on training and experience.
The spokesperson went on to say that upon awakening, the driver showed “no signs of impairment or further concerns to deputies.” An incident report was not completed.
READ: Florida shoppers assaulted with bear repellent during suspected candle thief’s escape
The deputies involved are not under review, and the agency could not share further details about the captain’s condition during that incident due to federal health privacy laws.
deathakissaway on July 21st, 2021 at 20:59 UTC »
Of course, the chief of police son, also a policeman, was in Pennsylvania for a police conference. He and a fellow officer, smashed their unmarked cop car into a work barrier on the highway. They took off, and Pennsylvania police found their damage vehicle at the hotel where they were found drunk.
Made the news once, then never heard of again. I found out nothing happened. No charges filed, and he got a few months suspended with pay, both still pulling over suspected drunk drivers. Pathetic.
manwithappleface on July 21st, 2021 at 19:58 UTC »
I used to play poker every Wednesday night. There were a couple of cops that played in the game. They had absolutely no concerns about getting drunk as hell and driving home. They felt totally safe from consequences.
I quit the game when one of the cops flashed a pistol at the table. He was “being funny,” but I didn’t take it that way. Only idiots mix booze and guns. I never went back.
Off duty actions matter too, guys. It’s colored my view of police for 20 years.
halfanothersdozen on July 21st, 2021 at 19:12 UTC »
The.
Fuck.
... then after they find out who he is
I know cops take little naps in their cruisers all the time and imho that's not a big deal and what I thought this was.
NOPE