A 76-year-old resident of Florida, Charles Ducking, was apprehended during a traffic stop for alleged drunk driving and cocaine use, just months after a previous DUI arrest. Ducking was pulled over by a Polk County deputy after being observed swerving while driving along U.S. Highway 27 in Waverly.
The deputy reported detecting alcohol on Ducking’s breath and noted his slurred speech and watery eyes. When asked to present his driver’s license, Ducking revealed that his license was suspended due to a DUI conviction.
Charles Ducking allegedly remarked, “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,”
according to authorities. Ducking then displayed a silver thermal cup containing a brown liquid, claiming it was rum.
During the search of Ducking’s vehicle, deputies found a small orange container of cocaine. Ducking allegedly admitted to law enforcement that he had used cocaine just minutes before being stopped. Field sobriety tests revealed several indicators of impairment, and breath tests showed blood alcohol levels of .094 and .095, surpassing Florida’s .08 legal limit.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd expressed concern, stating,
“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.”
The sheriff stressed the need for Ducking to make significant life changes and commended his deputies for their vigilance in removing impaired drivers from the roads.
Ducking was arrested and detained at the Polk County Jail, facing charges of DUI—fourth or subsequent offense—possession of cocaine, driving with a suspended license, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Reports indicate Ducking was arrested for DUI in May and released with the condition of abstaining from alcohol. He has been arrested nine additional times in Polk County, dating back to 2001, including multiple DUI incidents.