Florida state Rep. Dane Eagle (R-Cape Coral) was arrested early Monday morning in Tallahassee on suspicion of driving under the influence.
The Associated Press reports Rep. Eagle was spotted driving erratically around 1 a.m. on East Tennessee Street. According to the probable cause report, Eagle's vehicle left a Taco Bell, nearly struck a curb and ran a red light.
In a statement, Eagle refuted the account.
"While there are some decisions that I would have made differently, I do not believe there is a complete and accurate picture of the events," Eagle said in the release. "Under advice of my legal counsel, I cannot discuss all the details right now, but I look forward to publicly sharing the entire story at an appropriate time. Until then, I humbly ask for everyone's patience. I know that I am accountable for my actions, and I look forward to communicating with my constituents in the near future on this matter."
The police report says Eagle's vehicle emitted a "strong odor of alcoholic beverage" and his eyes "were bloodshot, watery, and glassy." Eagle also stumbled when exiting his SUV. Eagle denies drinking alcohol, saying the odor came from friends who had been drinking and were in the vehicle earlier. He also refused a breathalyzer test before being arrested.
The Leon County Sheriffs office initially delayed in releasing Eagle's mugshot photo. The office says whenever someone tries to claim a public record exemption it has to review. No such exemption for state lawmakers exists.
Eagle, 30, was elected to the House in 2012. He previously served as an aid to former Governor Charlie Crist.
