Florida Gas Station Incident Raises Serious Safety Concerns
A Florida father has been arrested after deputies discovered him unconscious behind the wheel of a vehicle stopped at a Shell gas station in Plant City, with his 5-year-old child sitting in the backseat.
Authorities identified the man as 26-year-old Patrick Voegtly. According to law enforcement reports, the child was safe inside the vehicle at the time of the incident and reportedly told officers that his father was “just sleeping.”
Guns Found Inside Vehicle During Police Response
Investigators say the situation became more serious after officers searched the vehicle and found a firearm visible inside the truck. Another gun was reportedly discovered in Voegtly’s pocket.
Law enforcement officials confirmed that the presence of weapons combined with the condition of the driver elevated the severity of the case.
Suspected DUI and Child Endangerment
Police reported that Voegtly’s blood alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit at the time of the incident.
He was later taken into custody and is now facing multiple charges, including:
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Child neglect
- Firearm-related offenses
- Authorities say the investigation is ongoing as they review the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Child Safe, Authorities Confirm
Officials confirmed that the child was unharmed and safely removed from the vehicle by responding deputies.
Child protection services have also been notified as part of standard procedure in cases involving suspected child endangerment.
WATCH VIDEO
Full footage and bodycam coverage of the incident can be viewed here: