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Sheriff Arrests DUI Suspect By Himself

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By MIKE WELLS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 13, 2007

Updated: 09/14/2007 08:23 am

LITHIA - After several years of working in the administration sector of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, Sheriff David Gee put his road-patrol skills back to use Saturday night by arresting a DUI suspect who nearly caused an accident, according to an arrest report.

Thomas Jerry Hoffman

About 10:30 p.m., Gee spotted Thomas Jerry Hoffman, 22, driving an all-terrain-vehicle about 75 mph in a 45 mph zone on Lithia Pinecrest Road, the report said. Gee lives in the area.

Hoffman's ATV was passing other vehicles in a no-passing zone without taillights and almost caused an accident, the report said.

When Gee stopped Hoffman at a convenience store parking lot at FishHawk Boulevard, Hoffman tried to drive off. Gee had to restrain and handcuff him, the report said.

Gee reported he smelled alcohol on Hoffman's breath and noted that he had red, glassy eyes, was unsteady on his feet and spoke with a slur. The driver was wearing a T-shirt that read, "I'm working on my sixpack."

Because Hoffman was combative, no field-sobriety test was performed, and he refused to submit to a Breathalyzer test, according to the report.

Hoffman was charged with driving under the influence and obstructing an officer. He remained in Orient Road Jail on Thursday with no bail amount set.

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