A 50-year-old Ocala man is being charged with driving under the influence after a Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputy observed his vehicle traveling in the wrong direction on E Silver Springs Boulevard.
On Tuesday, the MCSO deputy spotted a vehicle that was traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes of E Silver Springs Boulevard in Marion County. The deputy conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle and made contact with the driver, identified as Michael Parker, according to the sheriff’s office.
Parker told the deputy that he had just left work and was traveling in the wrong lane of travel because the other lane was moving too slowly. He also admitted to the deputy that he had “a little bit to drink” and was “intoxicated,” according to MCSO.
The sheriff’s office stated that Parker agreed to perform several field sobriety exercises. After each exercise was explained by the deputy, Parker failed to follow instructions, had difficulty balancing, and exhibited several other indicators that he was impaired.
The deputy placed Parker under arrest and transported him to Marion County Jail. While at the jail, Parker provided breath samples of .196 and .186, which is more than twice the legal limit.
Parker was later released from Marion County Jail on $2,000 bond. He is facing a misdemeanor charge for driving under the influence with blood alcohol of .15 or higher.
A court date has been scheduled at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 16, according to jail records.