PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. – A Coconut Creek police officer is facing a drunken driving charge in Palm Beach County, according to an arrest report obtained by Local 10 News Tuesday.
Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested Laurence Anthony Christopher on Friday.
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According to his arrest report, deputies were alerted to a situation where a witness found Christopher asleep inside a gray Ford F-350 truck at a traffic signal near the crossroads of U.S. 441 and Southern Boulevard in Royal Palm Beach.
A witness reported moments after waking Christopher up by knocking on his window, he began driving erratically while heading north on U.S. 441.
The witness said that Christopher, who court records show is 58 years old, seemed disoriented, leading the witness to suspect that he was intoxicated, the report stated.
According to the report, Christopher fled upon hearing the witness’s passenger contacting police and the witness recorded cellphone video of his erratic driving.
Deputies said the caller provided continuous location updates to PBSO dispatchers until deputies reached the scene.
Christopher was intercepted by deputies while still in his vehicle “to prevent any potential collision,” the report stated.
When asked about his condition, Christopher told deputies “Yeah, I’m good,” according to the report.
The arrest report noted Christopher’s bloodshot, glossy, and watery eyes, as well as his erratic speech and driving pattern. Deputies said they detected the scent of alcohol on his breath.
The report indicates that Christopher declined to undergo a field sobriety test and subsequent breathalyzer examination.
A Coconut Creek police spokesperson said the agency was aware of Christopher’s arrest.
His booking photo was not available in PBSO online records.