Wrong-Way DUI Driver Hands Over Gift Card Instead Of License, FL Cops Say

TAMPA, FL — A Dunedin woman was arrested this week after authorities say she drove on the wrong side of the road and gave a deputy a Barnes and Noble gift card when he asked for her driver's license in Tampa.

The incident happened at 12:30 a.m. Sunday at Sheldon Road near West Linebaugh Avenue, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said Monday.

Authorities say Kami Ellis, 52, was pulled over after driving on the wrong side of the road. In body camera footage released by the sheriff's office, a deputy can be heard accusing Ellis of jumping a curb.

In the 1-minute and 15-second video, the deputy appears to be heard telling Ellis to shut off her car, but she seemingly tells him that she does not know how to do so.

When he asks for her driver's license, it appears the deputy tells Ellis she first grabbed her credit card before she is accused of trying to hand him her Barnes and Noble gift card.

Ultimately, Ellis was arrested on charges of driving under the influence (over 0.15). Hillsborough County Jail records showed a blood alcohol content of 0.204/0.209.

She was released on a $1,000 surety bond, jail records showed.