Detention Deputy Fired After Crashing Jeep Into Retention Pond

CLEARWATER, FL — Clearwater Police have arrested a Pinellas County Sheriff's Office detention deputy for driving under the influence following a crash on U.S. 19.

At 7:24 p.m., on Sunday, Dec. 22, officers responded to a crash scene at 26200 U.S. 19 N., in which 24-year-old Brittany O'Leary had driven her 2019 Jeep Wrangler off the road and into a retention pond.

According to officers, bystanders helped O'Leary out of the car as it was sinking under water.

Officers noted that O'Leary had bloodshot and watery eyes, an unsteady balance, slurred speech and the distinct odor of alcohol on her breath.

She agreed to perform field sobriety tests, but performed poorly. Officers said O'Leary submitted a breath sample, which indicated she had a blood-alcohol level of .153/.158. The Florida limit for being intoxicated is .08.

She was arrested and charged with one count of DUI and cited for careless driving.

O'Leary was hired by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office on Oct. 30, 2017. She worked as a detention deputy in the Department of Detention and Corrections.

O'Leary's was fired following the arrest.