A 76-year-old Lake Wales man was arrested in Polk County after deputies alleged that he drove erratically while impaired by alcohol and cocaine. Charles Ducking allegedly told a deputy that he had been drinking rum and that his driver’s license was suspended because of a previous DUI. Deputies said breath tests recorded blood alcohol readings of .094 and .095, above Florida’s legal limit of .08. The arrest came about four months after Ducking was arrested on another DUI allegation.
The traffic stop occurred on U.S. Highway 27 in Waverly after a sheriff’s deputy allegedly saw Ducking swerving. Authorities said the investigation resulted in charges including DUI, possession of cocaine, driving with a suspended license and possession of drug paraphernalia.
| 1) | Traffic stop follows alleged swerving on U.S. Highway 27 |
| 2) | Deputies describe alcohol indicators and suspended license |
| 3) | Cocaine allegation follows vehicle search |
| 4) | Breath tests exceed Florida’s legal limit |
| 5) | Prior arrest and new charges shape the case |
Traffic stop follows alleged swerving on U.S. Highway 27
The incident began when a Polk County sheriff’s deputy allegedly observed Ducking swerving while driving along U.S. Highway 27 in Waverly, Florida. The deputy stopped the vehicle to investigate the suspected traffic violation and possible impairment. Ducking, who is from Lake Wales, was later arrested and booked into the Polk County Jail.
The arresting agency said the stop was part of routine enforcement intended to identify drivers who may pose a danger to other motorists. The allegations remain subject to the court process, and an arrest does not establish guilt.
Deputies describe alcohol indicators and suspended license
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the deputy noticed an odor of alcohol, slurred speech and watery eyes during the encounter. When asked to produce his driver’s license, Ducking allegedly said it had been suspended because of a DUI.
“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,” Ducking allegedly told the deputy.
Authorities said Ducking then showed the deputy a silver thermal cup containing a brown liquid. He allegedly identified the liquid as rum. A separate traffic deputy who arrived to conduct the DUI investigation recognized Ducking from an earlier DUI arrest in May, according to officials.
Cocaine allegation follows vehicle search
During a search of the vehicle, deputies said they found a small orange container containing cocaine. Authorities alleged that the discovery prompted Ducking to say he had used cocaine shortly before the stop.
“I done a line” 10 minutes before I was pulled over, Ducking allegedly told law enforcement, according to the sheriff’s office.
The cocaine allegation added a drug-possession charge to the impaired-driving investigation. Deputies also listed possession of drug paraphernalia among the charges. The available account does not state the amount of cocaine recovered or identify the specific item alleged to constitute paraphernalia.
Breath tests exceed Florida’s legal limit
Deputies said Ducking showed several indicators of impairment during field sobriety tests. Breath tests reportedly produced blood alcohol concentration readings of .094 and .095. Both readings exceeded Florida’s .08 legal limit for drivers.
The reported alcohol readings supported the DUI allegation, while the deputies’ observations and the alleged admission about cocaine formed part of the broader investigation. The case involves allegations only, and any final determination will be made through the judicial process.
Grady Judd, the Polk County sheriff, said Ducking’s conduct created a serious risk to himself and others.
“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,” Judd said.
Prior arrest and new charges shape the case
Ducking was charged with DUI, fourth or subsequent offense, possession of cocaine, driving with a suspended license and possession of drug paraphernalia. Officials said he had been arrested for DUI in May and released from jail days later after posting bond. That release reportedly included a condition that he not possess or consume alcohol.
The sheriff’s office also said Ducking had been arrested nine other times in Polk County dating back to 2001, including multiple DUI arrests. The current allegations therefore follow a documented history of arrests in the county, although the supplied information does not provide the outcomes of those earlier cases.
Grady Judd said Ducking had “tempted fate too many times” and needed to make serious changes. He also praised deputies for proactive patrols aimed at removing impaired drivers from the road.
| 1 | Deputies stopped Charles Ducking after allegedly seeing him swerve in Waverly. |
| 2 | He allegedly admitted drinking rum and said his license was suspended after a DUI. |
| 3 | Authorities said a vehicle search found cocaine and that Ducking admitted recent use. |
| 4 | Breath tests reportedly registered .094 and .095, above Florida’s .08 limit. |
| 5 | He faces multiple charges after a May DUI arrest and other prior arrests in Polk County. |
Summary
The case centers on allegations that Ducking drove while impaired by alcohol and cocaine despite having a suspended license and a recent DUI arrest. Deputies cited his driving behavior, physical signs of impairment, alleged admissions, vehicle evidence and breath-test results. He remains accused rather than convicted, and the charges will proceed through the court system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges does Charles Ducking face?
He was charged with DUI, fourth or subsequent offense, possession of cocaine, driving with a suspended license and possession of drug paraphernalia.
What alcohol readings did deputies report?
Authorities said breath tests recorded blood alcohol concentration readings of .094 and .095, above Florida’s .08 legal limit.
Why was Ducking stopped?
A Polk County sheriff’s deputy allegedly observed him swerving while driving on U.S. Highway 27 in Waverly.
What did deputies say they found in the vehicle?
They said they found a small orange container containing cocaine and also listed possession of drug paraphernalia among the charges.
