The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Big Pine Key woman for DUI and drug possession after she pulled out into a road and almost hit an MCSO patrol car.
An MCSO deputy was patrolling Big Pine Key on Watson Boulevard when a vehicle pulled out and forced the deputy to swerve to avoid hitting it. Following this, the vehicle drove into the oncoming traffic lane, going about 10 mph over the speed limit and driving in the bike lane. The vehicle continued on, taking a circular route that suggested the driver was trying to evade the deputy.
The deputy pulled over the vehicle, where they identified the driver as 37-year-old Nichole Barton. The deputy ordered Barton to stay in her vehicle, but she refused and got out. While speaking with her, the deputy noticed the smell of alcohol coming from both her and the vehicle, as well as the smell of marijuana.
The deputy asked Barton why she took the circular route, and she claimed she was dropping off friends. However, Barton was the only occupant in the vehicle, and she never stopped while being pursued by the deputy. The deputy asked Barton if she was drinking, but she said she was not. According to the report, Barton had bloodshot, watery eyes, her face was flushed and her speech was slurred.
After multiple requests, Barton agreed to perform a field sobriety test, where she failed all three components. The deputy placed her under arrest and searched her vehicle, where they found an unopened bottle of champagne and .5 grams of marijuana rolled into a joint.
Barton refused to provide a breath sample. She was charged with DUI, resisting an officer by refusing to sign a citation, possession of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia for the joint.
She was transported to the Monroe County Detention Center without incident, where she was being held without bail. She was also informed of a mandatory court date for July 25 in regard to the charges.
Information in the Crime Report is obtained from reports provided by area law enforcement agencies.
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