Deputies arrested a 56-year-old man early Sunday after a traffic stop revealed a disturbing record of repeated DUI and suspended license offenses.
William Barnes was pulled over by Hernando County Sheriff’s deputies after running a stop sign at Toucan Trail and Horseshoe Lane. During the stop, deputies noticed his slurred speech, red and glossy eyes, and the strong odor of alcohol. Barnes admitted he had been drinking and was heading to a nearby store.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Barnes refused to provide a breath sample after being read Florida’s Implied Consent Warning. Deputies soon discovered his driver’s license has been suspended since 2010.
A further records check revealed Barnes has four prior DUI convictions and 19 prior convictions for driving with a suspended, canceled, or revoked license across Florida and Rhode Island.
Barnes was booked into the Hernando County Detention Center on charges of DUI and driving with a suspended license with knowledge. His bond was set at $15,000, and his vehicle was towed from the scene.
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