Florida Man, 76, Arrested for DUI, Allegedly Admits to Rum and Cocaine Use

A 76-year-old Florida man with a suspended license was arrested after allegedly admitting to driving under the influence of rum and cocaine during a traffic stop. Charles Ducking, of Lake Wales, was pulled over by a Polk County sheriff's deputy for swerving on U.S. Highway 27 in Waverly.

During the stop, the deputy detected the odor of alcohol and noted Ducking's slurred speech and watery eyes. Ducking allegedly informed the deputy that his driver's license was suspended due to a previous DUI. He then reportedly showed the deputy a cup containing rum and admitted to consuming it.

Deputies discovered a small container with cocaine in Ducking's vehicle. According to the sheriff's office, Ducking claimed he had used cocaine approximately 10 minutes before being stopped. The deputy who responded to the DUI investigation recognized Ducking from a previous DUI arrest in May.

Ducking reportedly displayed indicators of impairment during field sobriety tests, and breathalyzer readings showed blood alcohol concentrations of .094 and .095, exceeding Florida's legal limit of .08.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd stated that Ducking is fortunate not to have caused harm to himself or others. "He has tempted fate too many times, and he needs to make some serious changes in his life before it's too late," Judd said in a statement. "I am proud of my deputies for their proactive patrolling to find impaired drivers and get them off the road."

Ducking was charged with 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 that Ducking was previously arrested for DUI in May and was released on bond with the condition of abstaining from alcohol. Officials also reported that Ducking has been arrested nine other times in Polk County since 2001, including multiple DUI offenses.