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Deland, FL - A Seminole County Sheriff's deputy, Kristen Simpson, 29, was arrested early Saturday morning on charges of driving under the influence (DUI) after being found passed out behind the wheel of her car at a traffic light in DeLand.
According to police reports, an officer pulled Simpson’s silver Toyota Corolla over at the intersection of South Woodland Boulevard and Taylor Road shortly before 1 a.m.
The light had turned green, but the car remained stopped, prompting the officer to honk his horn.
Body camera footage obtained by local news outlets reveals the shocking details of the incident.
The officer cautiously approaches the car and finds Simpson seemingly asleep with two dogs inside.
Concerned that she might drive off, the officer calls for backup before attempting to wake her.
Knocking on the window repeatedly proves ineffective, forcing the officer to resort to banging on the roof of the car.
Finally, Simpson stirs awake.
The officer, fearing she might drive away, immediately instructs her to put the car in park, but the Corolla instead rolls into a Volusia Sheriff's Office cruiser parked in front.
A tense exchange ensues as the officer requests Simpson's ID, which she claims is in her patrol car.
When asked if she is a law enforcement officer, Simpson confirms being a deputy with Seminole County.
Despite the officer's pleas, Simpson refuses to perform field sobriety exercises or a breathalyzer test.
A subsequent search of her vehicle uncovers three open White Claw containers, further solidifying suspicion of DUI.
Deputy Simpson has been placed on administrative leave with pay pending the outcome of both the criminal investigation and an internal investigation by the Seminole County Sheriff's Office.
"We take these matters very seriously," the sheriff's office said in a statement. "The deputy has been placed on administrative leave and we will cooperate fully with the investigation."