A 76-year-old man from Florida, whose driver’s license is suspended, reportedly confessed during a traffic stop that he had been drinking rum. He also later told deputies that he had recently used cocaine, just four months after facing a DUI arrest, according to local authorities.
Charles Ducking, from Lake Wales, was stopped by a sheriff’s deputy who noticed his vehicle swerving while driving on US Highway 27 in Waverly. The deputy could smell alcohol and observed that Ducking had slurred speech and watery eyes.
When asked for his driver’s license, Ducking acknowledged it had been suspended. “Well, I can’t show you my driver’s license because it’s suspended due to DUI. And I have been drinking a little bit right now,” he reportedly admitted.
Authorities stated that Ducking then displayed a silver thermal cup containing a brown liquid and said, “This here is my rum I’m drinking.”
A different traffic deputy who arrived for the DUI investigation recognized Ducking from an earlier DUI arrest in May. During a search of Ducking’s vehicle, deputies discovered a small orange container with cocaine. This led Ducking to mention that he had “done a line” just ten minutes prior to being stopped.
While undergoing field sobriety tests, Ducking showed multiple signs of impairment. Breathalyzer tests indicated blood alcohol levels of .094 and .095, which are above the legal driving limit of .08 in Florida.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd remarked on the situation, noting, “While we appreciate Charles Ducking’s cooperation during the traffic stop, the fact is he’s lucky he hasn’t yet killed someone or himself while driving drunk and high on drugs.” He further emphasized that Ducking has “tempted fate too many times” and urgently needs to make significant changes in his life. Judd also expressed pride in his deputies’ efforts to identify and remove impaired drivers from the roads.
Ducking was taken into custody and booked at the Polk County Jail. He faces several charges, including DUI—his fourth or subsequent offense—possession of cocaine, driving with a suspended license, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Authorities noted that Ducking was previously arrested for DUI in May and had been released shortly after posting bond with the stipulation that he refrain from alcohol consumption. His arrest record in Polk County goes back to 2001, accumulating nine other arrests that include multiple DUIs.
