WATCH: Florida Cop Wasn't Wearing Pants When He Was Pulled Over For DUI
By Zuri Anderson
September 21, 2021
A Florida police officer found himself on the wrong side of the law when he was stopped by deputies Monday morning (September 20).
It started in DeBary, Florida when Volusia County deputies noticed a blue Chevrolet pickup truck drifting between lanes and even had its turn signal on for nearly a mile, WKMG reports. When the truck started speeding, that's when deputies pulled the truck over in the 100 block of South Charles R. Beall Boulevard and made contact with Ivar Ruiz, according to an arrest report.
Body camera video caught the entire encounter. When asked by deputies if he was drinking, Ruiz, who is a Belle Isle police officer, admitted to drinking earlier, records say. They then asked Ruiz if he would do a field sobriety test, and the cop agreed.
That's when deputies reportedly noticed the man wasn't wearing pants. They asked him to put some on before exiting the vehicle.
Throughout the test, authorities say Ruiz was swaying and had to be reminded to keep his feet together. Before the next test, Ruiz didn't want to continue and was arrested, according to records. He was charged with driving under the influence, refusal to submit to testing, violating open container laws, and speeding.
Reporters learned Ruiz has been a patrol officer under Belle Isle Police Department since June 2017. The department said he resigned Monday, adding that there will be an internal investigation, as well.
“I am very disappointed to learn of this arrest,” Belle Isle Police Chief Laura Houston said in a statement. “As law enforcement officers, we are held to the highest standards of conduct whether on duty or off duty.”