Citrus County Sheriff conducts traffic stop on DUI driver during Hurricane Debby
Photos courtesy of CCSO; Sheriff Prendergast on far left.
Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO)
Citrus County, Florida - On Monday, August 5, 2024, while Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast was assessing the roadways and checking on deputies during Hurricane Debby, he noticed a motorist spinning her wheels at a stop light in the lane next to him. When the traffic light turned green, the driver, later identified as 38-year-old Candace Wisecup, began to drive erratically between lanes, turning her hazard lights on and off.
Sheriff Prendergast initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle, to check on Wisecup, and also called for backup deputies. Sheriff Prendergast smelled alcohol on Wisecup's breath and noticed that her speech was slurred.
When Wisecup stepped out of her vehicle, upon request, Sheriff Prendergast and his backup deputies noticed several open containers littering her front seat. Deputies located three empty shooters, an unopened shooter, and an open can of beer that was almost empty. Wisecup's cell phone was also on the seat, still unlocked, playing videos.
According to a CCSO press release, Wisecup failed the 'walk and turn' field sobriety exercise, blaming the storm winds for her being unable to walk in a straight line. During other tests, Wisecup refused to listen to instructions and talked over deputies, although she was given several chances to calm down and focus.
Wisecup, who has a suspended driver's license, refused to submit to a breathalyzer test to check her alcohol level.
"Unfortunately, while natural disasters like Hurricane Debby are barreling down on our county, some citizens believe that law enforcement isn't watching," said Sheriff Prendergast. "Thankfully, Wisecup was caught and put behind bars before hurting anyone or causing any damage. This should remind everyone that our team is always here to ensure your safety, regardless of the weather."