By Samantha Joseph
Staff writer
STUART - A deputy had an offer of a shopping spree and mortgage and utilities payments from a woman trying to avoid a drunk-driving charge.
Deputy James Warren was attempting to conduct a sobriety test when the woman - heading home from a charity event - made him an offer she hoped he couldn't refuse.
"Can I write you a check and (call) it a day?" asked Alice Casson, whom he stopped near Southeast Monterey Road and South Kanner Highway.
"All you have to do is let me go. I swear to God I will give you anything. Light bill paid. Mortgage paid. Go shopping at the Gardens? I can...pay for it."
According to the arrest affidavit, the deputy's dashboard camera was rolling at the time, recording the entire conversation.
The result: a felony added to the list of charges stemming from the Oct. 25 incident.
Deputy Warren reported stopping the woman's car after other drivers alerted law enforcement officers of a "reckless vehicle" near Southeast Monterey Road and South Kanner Highway. The white Honda hit the curb and nearly sideswiped other vehicles, according to the affidavit.
Based on the erratic driving, the officer first suspected the woman was sick or injured. But the driver's flushed skin, slurred speech and bloodshot eyes suggested otherwise.
Deputy Warren learned she was returning from a charity benefit, where she drank champagne and cocktails.
For fighting the deputy, hurling insults and scratching his arm, a charge of battery on a law enforcement officer rounded of the list that included refusal of a lawful test and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
She was released on $4,000 bond on Oct. 26.