Indiana Fugitive Arrested for Fifth DUI in Florida

Howard Johnson, 60, of Palm Coast, Florida, was arrested Monday night by Flagler County Sheriff's Office deputies for his fifth DUI offense after failing field sobriety tests and refusing a breath test. Johnson also had an active fugitive warrant from Indiana.

Deputies responded to State Road 100 and Old Kings Road after receiving reports from a citizen about a reckless driver swerving on the roadway. Officers located Johnson's blue Ford pickup truck as it exited the RaceTrac gas station with its headlights off, using the entrance marked "do not enter" instead of the proper exit.

The vehicle then crossed three lanes into the left turn lane and ran a red light while making a U-turn, prompting deputies to initiate a traffic stop. During the stop, deputies observed Johnson appeared nervous and was slurring his speech. An open beer can was visible on the passenger floorboard of the vehicle.

Deputies conducted a DUI investigation and requested Johnson exit the vehicle for field sobriety testing. Johnson failed to complete the field sobriety tests satisfactorily and subsequently refused to submit to a breath test when requested by officers.

The arrest marks Johnson's fifth DUI offense, indicating a pattern of repeated impaired driving violations. Johnson faces charges related to the DUI offense as well as the outstanding fugitive warrant from Indiana.