Florida Man, 76, Arrested Again for DUI After Allegedly Driving Under Influence of Rum and Cocaine
Charles Ducking, with a history of DUIs and a suspended license, faces multiple charges following a traffic stop.
A 76-year-old Florida man with a suspended license has been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and cocaine, marking his fourth DUI offense. Charles Ducking of Lake Wales was pulled over by a Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputy who observed him swerving on US Highway 27 in Waverly.
The deputy noted the odor of alcohol and observed that Ducking had slurred speech and watery eyes. When asked for his license, Ducking allegedly admitted it was suspended due to a prior DUI and stated, “I have been drinking a little bit right now.” He then showed the deputy a cup containing a brown liquid, identifying it as rum.
During the encounter, a traffic deputy recognized Ducking from a previous DUI arrest in May. A search of Ducking’s vehicle uncovered a small orange container with cocaine. Ducking then allegedly told law enforcement he had “done a line” about 10 minutes before being stopped.
Field sobriety tests indicated impairment, and breathalyzer tests registered blood alcohol content readings of .094 and .095, both exceeding Florida's legal limit of .08.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd commented on the arrest, stating, “He has tempted fate too many times, and he needs to make some serious changes in his life before it’s too late.”
Ducking faces charges including DUI — fourth or subsequent offense, possession of cocaine, driving with a suspended license, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was booked into the Polk County Jail.
Records indicate Ducking was previously arrested for DUI in May and was released on bond with a condition not to possess or consume alcohol. His arrest history in Polk County dates back to 2001 and includes multiple DUI offenses.