A reporter for Bay News 9 was arrested just before midnight Wednesday, accused of drunken driving and being involved in a traffic crash on Dale Mabry Highway in South Tampa.
Jason Lanning, 30, of Tampa, was charged with driving under the influence by Tampa police. Jail records show he was released after posting $500 bail at 8 a.m. Thursday.
According to arrest reports, Lanning was driving his silver Dodge Charger north on Dale Mabry and crashed into the rear of a Ford F-150 pickup driven by Greg Bentley near El Prado Boulevard. Police said Lanning's car left the pavement and continued several blocks, striking road signs along the way.
Police said he tried to drive away, but his vehicle was blocked by Bentley, who was not injured.
Officers said Lanning had alcohol on his breath and his eyes were bloodshot and glassy. Two breath tests were given, and Lanning registered a blood alcohol level of 0.047 and 0.044, well below 0.08, the point at which a motorist is considered impaired. Field sobriety tests were administered, and he was charged.
Lanning has worked for Bay News 9 since 2003, although the jail log indicates he told booking officers he was unemployed. However, a Bay News 9 spokeswoman said Lanning was employed at the television station.
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