19-257 Deputies Arrest Off-Duty Palm Harbor Firefighter For Driving Under The Influence
Patrol Arrest
Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Operations Bureau
Thomas Coty Walker (Arrested)
Age: 29
Employment: Palm Harbor Fire Department
Charges: One count of Driving Under the Influence
What:
Deputies assigned to the Patrol Operations Bureau have arrested a Palm Harbor firefighter for Driving Under the Influence.
When:
The incident occurred at about 9:23 p.m. on Sunday, September 29, 2019.
Where:
The incident occurred near a private residence in Palm Harbor.
Why/How:
Deputies assigned to the Patrol Operations Bureau have arrested a Palm Harbor firefighter for Driving Under the Influence.
At about 9:06 p.m. on Sunday, September 29, 2019, the Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received 911 calls from at least three different citizens regarding the erratic driving pattern of a silver or grey colored Dodge Ram truck that was traveling northbound on U.S. Highway 19 North, between SR 580 and Curlew Road.
The callers provided the tag number for the Dodge truck and said the vehicle was swerving in the roadway and nearly struck the median and multiple vehicles. One caller said they thought the driver was falling asleep at the wheel.
Deputies responded to the area but could not locate the vehicle.
Deputies then responded to the home address of the registered owner in Palm Harbor where they located the Dodge Ram truck parked at the residence.
Deputies say 29-year-old Thomas Walker was sitting in the driver seat of the vehicle with the engine running. There were no other occupants in the vehicle.
Deputies made contact with Walker who showed signs of impairment by having bloodshot, glassy eyes and he had the distinct odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his breath.
When asked to perform Field Sobriety Tests, Walker refused and asked for “professional courtesy.”
Walker refused to provide a breath sample and refused to answer any questions.
Walker was arrested and transported to the Pinellas County Jail.
Walker was charged with one count of Driving Under the Influence.
The investigation continues.
Thomas Walker booking photo.
