Alleged Drunk Driver Nearly Struck Deputy, Sheriff's Office Says

A 51-year-old Tampa woman faces a number of charges after Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies say she nearly struck one of their own.

The incident unfolded around 9:30 p.m. Sunday in the Apollo Beach area. Deputies say Cheri Sleeper was pulled over after exiting a private driveway, crossing four lanes of traffic along U.S. 41 North near Elsberry Road and almost striking a deputy’s marked patrol vehicle.

When officers spoke with Sleeper, she “emitted the odor of an alcoholic beverage, had red/glossy eyes, slurred speech and unsteady balance,” an email to media from the agency stated. Sleeper refused to provide a breath sample to test her blood alcohol level, the email noted.

Sleeper was ultimately charged with DUI and refusal to submit to DUI testing with a prior refusal. Deputies say she refused testing during a December 2008 traffic stop.

Sleeper remained in the Hillsborough County Jail Monday in lieu of $1,000 bond.

Photo courtesy of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office

See Also:

• Man Changing Tire Falls from Skyway Bridge, Lives
• Deputies: Man Lured 8-Year-Old With Ice Cream
• Man Accused of Rape, Kidnapping Hours After Prison Release

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