Marion Sheriff releases body and dash cam of an impaired driver going against the flow of traffic
By: On March 28, 2023, Deputy Jeremiah Ricketts observed a vehicle traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes of East Silver Springs Boulevard. Deputy Ricketts conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, Michael Parker, who showed signs of impairment. Parker advised he had been drinking and was driving in the wrong lane of travel because the other lane was moving too slowly.
Deputy Ricketts requested that Parker perform Field Sobriety Exercises, to which he agreed. The exercises were explained numerous times and Parker attempted the exercises. During each exercise, Parker failed to follow instructions, had difficulty balancing, and exhibited numerous indicators that he was impaired. Based on Parker’s performance of the field sobriety exercises and the additional factors Deputy Ricketts observed, Parker was arrested for Driving Under the Influence.
Parker was transported to the Marion County Jail, where he provided breath samples of .196 and .186, more than twice the legal limit.