Florida cops arrest one of their own during DUI patrol

Author: Associated Press
Published:
Police lights blare from the officer's vehicle.
Police lights.

A Florida police DUI enforcement effort ended up netting a police officer.

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office says it conducted what they call a “wolf pack” operation designed to seek drunk drivers late Friday and early Saturday. Among the 22 people arrested for driving under the influence was 44-year-old off-duty St. Petersburg police officer Lesandro E. Santiago.

The sheriff’s office said he was swerving when he was pulled over, did poorly on a field sobriety test and smelled of alcohol.

The St. Petersburg Police Department said Santiago was removed from patrol duties and placed on administrative duty. He has been an officer with the city since 2003.

Jail records didn’t list a phone number or lawyer for Santiago.

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