Monday, November 30, 2015

CITIZEN REPORT LEADS TO DUI, CHILD NEGLECT AND DRUG CHARGE



On November 25, 2015 at approximately 4 PM, a concerned citizen contacted the Levy County Sheriff’s Office to report a reckless driver.  The caller stated they observed a blue Ford pickup truck traveling north on US 19 from the Inglis area.  The truck was being driven in an erratic manner and had nearly collided with several vehicles. 

More concerning was that the caller observed a child (reported to be approximately 4 years of age) inside the vehicle.  The child was not restrained in a car seat and was being shaken about in the vehicle. 

Deputy Ryan Sullivan responded to the call and observed the vehicle traveling northbound near Gulf Hammock.  Deputy Sullivan observed the vehicle being operated in an erratic manner and saw it nearly collide with another vehicle.  He also observed the small child standing in the rear seat of the vehicle. 

Deputy Sullivan initiated a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, Joshua Robert Vogel from Palm Harbor, Florida.  Vogel smelled of an alcoholic beverage, and admitted that he had consumed two beers earlier.  Deputy Sullivan found a 4 year old female child in the backseat of the vehicle. The child was not restrained but was found to be uninjured.  Sgt. Carl Rogers responded to the traffic stop scene and stood by with the child until a relative arrived to take custody of her. 

Vogel agreed to submit to field sobriety exercises.  He was unable to satisfactorily complete the exercises and was arrested for DUI by Deputy Sullivan.  During the search incident to arrest, Deputy Sullivan found a glass smoking pipe that contained burnt marijuana inside it.  The pipe was found on the console of the pickup truck. 

After being arrested, Vogel became belligerent. He resisted Deputy Sullivan’s attempts to handcuff him.   Vogel cursed and threatened Deputy Sullivan. He was transported to the Levy County Detention Center where he refused to provide a breath sample and again cursed and threatened Deputy Sullivan and Detention Staff.

Vogel was charged with DUI, Child Neglect, Corruption by Threat Against a Public Servant, Possession of Cannabis, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Resisting Officer Without Violence.  Vogel’s bond was set at $10,000.00, and he was released after posting the bond on November 26, 2015.

As always, LCSO greatly appreciates the assistance of the public to make our county safer.  Citizens who wish to report suspicious activity can always contact the Sheriff’s Office at 352-486-5111 or anonymously contact CrimeStoppers of Levy County at  1-877-349-TIPS or 1-877-349-8477)