A Florida father was arrested Thursday night after deputies found him passed out behind the wheel of his pickup truck at a gas station — with his 5-year-old son sitting alone in the backseat and multiple unsecured guns nearby.
What Happened
Patrick Voegtly, 26, was found unconscious in the driver’s seat of his truck at a Shell gas station in Plant City, Florida — about 40 miles east of Tampa — at around 8 p.m.
When deputies arrived, the little boy had a heartbreaking response.
“He’s just sleeping,” the 5-year-old reportedly told officers about his father.
Guns Discovered Immediately
Body camera footage showed a deputy quickly noticing a gun on Voegtly’s hip.
After securing that weapon, the deputy tried to wake him up — and found a second gun hidden under the seat.
“How many more guns do you have?” the deputy asked as Voegtly began to wake.
Resisted Arrest, Child Heard Crying
Voegtly was ordered out of the vehicle but allegedly resisted arrest.
The boy’s cries were heard in the background as his father was taken into custody.
Voegtly’s BAC was reportedly more than twice the legal limit of 0.08. Deputies noted slurred speech and glassy eyes.
Charges Filed
Voegtly now faces:
- Child neglect
- Improper exhibition of a firearm
- Driving under the influence
He was booked into Hillsborough County Jail and posted bond Saturday.
Sheriff Speaks Out
“This reckless decision could have ended in tragedy,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister.
“Driving under the influence is dangerous enough, but doing so with a child in the vehicle while armed shows a complete disregard for the safety of others.”
