The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office received a call about a reckless driver hitting mailboxes in Barefoot Bay and driving on the wrong side of the road.
Deputies spotted the vehicle moments later at the 1200 block of Gardenia Drive in Barefoot Bay with the driver slumped over the wheel. The vehicle was facing the wrong direction on the road. An empty bottle of 99 Bananas alcohol container was lying next to the driver.
The driver was identified as James A. Lagrasso, 65, who lives on the 900 block of Periwinkle Circle in Barefoot Bay.
“A witness had to remove the keys from the ignition to prevent Mr. Lagrasso from possibly causing more damage or injuries to others,” the deputy said.
“I could smell the strong odor of unknown alcoholic beverage emit from his breath, his speech was mumbled and slurred, and he could not maintain eye contact or a conversation,” the deputy added.
According to the affidavit, an empty bottle of 99 Bananas alcohol container was lying next to Lagrasso.
When deputies asked Lagrasso if he would submit to Field Sobriety Exercises, he said the weather was too cold. He also refused to submit a breath test.
Lagrasso was charged with DUI and Possession of an Open Alcohol Container inside a motor vehicle. He was transported to the Brevard County Jail, where his bond was set at $2,500.