5 days ago
Former Connecticut police officer charged with DUI in Florida
LAKELAND, Fla. (WTNH) — Florida authorities say a former Connecticut police officer was arrested for DUI Saturday night after nearly crashing into a Polk County Sheriff's Office vehicle.
Michael Dimeglio, 42, was charged with DUI (M2). His BAC was recorded at 0.168, which is more than twice the legal limit.
RELATED: Two Norwalk police officers arrested after being found in hotel room together on duty
The charge stems from when deputies noticed Dimeglio's Chevrolet Camaro drifting lanes and moving into oncoming traffic. At one point, they say he veered into the path of a PCSO deputy, prompting the deputy to brake suddenly to avoid a collision.
Dimeglio failed to stop his car multiple times for deputies, and when he did, they reported his eyes were bloodshot and watery and they could smell the odor of alcohol on his breath.
They also said they asked for his driver's license at least three times and each time, he seemed to give a different response without actually delivering it.
When Dimeglio got out of his car, deputies said he was unsteady and had to use the vehicle for support to stand. He was also reportedly slurring his speech and had dilated pupils.
He told deputies he had consumed alcohol while at the beach.
Deputies said Dimeglio told them he was a police officer for Norwalk for nine years and terminated for misconduct in 2020.
In 2021, he and another officer were arrested following an October 2020 incident during which they were found in a hotel room together while on duty.
'This reckless behavior put lives in danger, and it's especially disappointing coming from someone who once wore a badge. Law enforcement officers are held to a higher standard, and this former officer made a choice that could have cost lives,' Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said in a statement.
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