Corrections Officer Arrested On DUI And Other Charges: Police

HAINES CITY, FL — A Florida Department of Corrections officer was arrested for driving under the influence early Sunday morning, a Haines City Police Department news release said.

Amber Reeves, 27, of Winter Haven was stopped by police after she was seen driving in the wrong direction on U.S. Highway 17/92, said authorities.

Deputies said Reeves drove eastbound in her Hyundai Sonata on the westbound side of the highway around 3:15 a.m.

After police stopped her, they found marijuana and drug paraphernalia in her car.

She failed sobriety tests given by the officers who pulled her over, and her blood-alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit, officers said.

"Driving the wrong way down a major road in the middle of the night is a recipe for disaster," Police Chief Jim Elensky said in a news release. "I'm thankful that our officers were in the right place at the right time to observe this egregious violation and stop this vehicle before someone was seriously hurt or killed.We expect law enforcement professionals to uphold the law and serve as model citizens for everyone, especially the youth. Ms. Reeves will have some time to reflect on her actions from the other side of the bars."

Reeves was arrested on charges of driving under the influence, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Reeves has been employed by the Florida Department of Corrections since May.

The FDOC told Patch in an email that they are moving forward with the immediate dismissal of Reeves.