Deputy Finds Woman Passed Out Behind Wheel at Wawa

A 37-year-old Florida woman was found passed out behind the wheel of her vehicle in a Wawa parking lot, according to deputy bodycam footage. The woman had parked after leaving Paddy Wagon, a local bar, and was discovered slumped over the steering wheel with the keys within reach and an open container located under the car.

The responding deputy conducted a welfare check after finding the woman unresponsive in the vehicle. Once she was roused, she told the deputy she had intentionally pulled into the parking lot because she did not want to drive home after drinking.

During the nearly 20 minute encounter, the woman completed a series of field sobriety exercises requested by the deputy. She repeatedly stated that she had never been arrested before and expressed confusion about why she was being detained despite not having driven the vehicle to the location where she was found.

A friend arrived on scene during the stop and offered to drive the woman home. Bodycam footage shows the deputy weighing the situation before proceeding with the arrest.

Under Florida law, a person can be charged with driving under the influence even if they were not actively driving at the time of police contact. The state's "actual physical control" statute allows for a DUI charge if a person is found in a vehicle with the ability to operate it, regardless of whether the car was in motion.

Based on the presence of the keys, the open container, and the woman's location behind the wheel, the deputy determined that the elements of actual physical control had been met. The woman was subsequently arrested and charged with DUI.

The case highlights how Florida's actual physical control law can result in DUI charges even when a driver chooses to stop and avoid operating a vehicle while impaired. The footage was released as part of public record documentation of the traffic stop.

The woman's case is proceeding through the local court system following her arrest on DUI charges.