Florida Man, 76, Allegedly Admits to DUI with Rum and Cocaine After Traffic Stop

A 76-year-old man from Florida, whose driver's license was suspended, reportedly acknowledged during a recent traffic stop that he had been consuming rum. He later informed deputies he had also used cocaine shortly before being pulled over, according to law enforcement officials. This incident occurred just four months after a separate arrest for driving under the influence (DUI).

Charles Ducking, 76, residing in Lake Wales, was stopped by a Polk County Sheriff's Office deputy after being observed swerving while operating a vehicle on U.S. Highway 27 in Waverly. The deputy noted a distinct odor of alcohol emanating from Ducking, along with slurred speech and watery eyes.

Traffic Stop and Admissions

When asked to present his driver's license, Ducking allegedly informed the deputy that it was currently suspended. Authorities quoted him as stating:

"Well, I can't show you my driver's license cuz it's suspended cuz DUI. And I have been drinking a little bit right now."

Officials reported that Ducking then displayed a silver thermal cup, which contained a brown liquid. He allegedly identified its contents, saying:

"This here is my rum I'm drinking."

A traffic deputy who arrived to conduct the DUI investigation immediately recognized Ducking from a previous DUI arrest that took place in May, as stated by the sheriff's office.

During a subsequent search of Ducking's vehicle, deputies reportedly discovered a small orange container holding cocaine. This discovery prompted Ducking to tell law enforcement personnel that he had "done a line" approximately 10 minutes before the traffic stop.

Field sobriety tests administered to Ducking revealed several indications of impairment. Breath tests registered blood alcohol concentration (BAC) readings of .094 and .095, both exceeding Florida's legal limit for drivers, which is .08.

Official Statement and Charges

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd released a statement regarding the incident.

"While we appreciate Charles Ducking's cooperation during the traffic stop, the fact of the matter is, he is lucky he hasn't yet killed someone or himself while driving drunk and high on drugs," Sheriff Judd commented. "He has tempted fate too many times, and he needs to make some serious changes in his life before it's too late. I am proud of my deputies for their proactive patrolling to find impaired drivers and get them off the road."

Ducking was subsequently arrested and booked into the Polk County Jail. He faces charges including DUI — designated as a fourth or subsequent offense — possession of cocaine, driving with a suspended license, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Previous Legal Encounters

According to information from the sheriff's office, Ducking had been previously arrested for DUI in May of the same year. He was released from jail a few days later after posting bond, under the specific condition that he would not possess or consume alcohol.

Officials further noted that Ducking has a history of nine other arrests in Polk County, dating back to 2001. These prior arrests include multiple instances of DUI.