SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – An Orlando police officer is accused of driving drunk after crashing his car while trying to pick up his daughter from after-school care on Tuesday, according to the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies were called to the school along East State Road 434 around 4:30 p.m.
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Investigators said Anthony Lappas, 42, parked his car in a through lane, blocking other vehicles from passing his truck. School employees said they became concerned that Lappas was under the influence because he was unable to stand on his own and his eyes were bloodshot, according to the arrest report.
Lappas ultimately got back into his truck and moved to a parking spot, where he hit a concrete barrier with his pickup, the report said.
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The school’s principal notified a school resource deputy who made contact with Lappas and took witness statements. A Seminole County deputy arrived to administer field sobriety exercises that Lappas failed, the report states.
Lappas was arrested and taken to jail where he was administered two breath tests, which found his blood alcohol concentration to be 0.158% and 0.165% respectively, roughly twice the legal limit.
Lappas faces a charge of driving under the influence with a BAC of 0.15% or higher with a person under 18 years old in the vehicle, according to the report.
Orlando police released a statement following the arrest. It reads:
“On February 28th, 2023, the Orlando Police Department was notified that Sergeant Anthony Lappas was arrested while off-duty. Upon notification, Sgt. Lappas was relieved of his law enforcement duties and placed on administrative leave with pay, pending an internal investigation of the incident.”
Orlando Police Department
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