Main Menu

Clearwater Firefighter Accused of Possessing Cocaine, DUI

Andrew Leeth | Clearwter Fire | Pinellas Sheriff

Deputies used a Taser on him to keep him from running away, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.

PINELLAS COUNTY – An off-duty Clearwater firefighter was arrested Tuesday (April 10) evening after he was found “unresponsive” behind the wheel of a pickup truck while stopped at a traffic light, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office said.

Andrew Leeth, 35, was charged with one count each driving under the influence, resisting arrest without violence, and possession of a controlled substance (cocaine) after he was found in possession of a white powdery substance that field tested positive for cocaine.

He is a firefighter/paramedic with Clearwater Fire Rescue. Clearwater fire officials said that Leeth has been placed on administrative duty. He has worked with the Clearwater department since March 19, 2007. He earns about $65,250 a year.

Deputies said they were flagged down about 6 p.m. by a concerned citizen who reported that there was an unresponsive driver sitting behind the wheel of a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck. The Silverado was stopped at the traffic light in the eastbound turn lane on Boca Ciega Drive near the intersection of 75th Avenue on St Pete Beach.

Deputies identified Leeth as the driver. Deputies said they found him “unresponsive, slumped over in the driver seat of the pickup truck.” The truck was in drive and there were no other occupants inside the vehicle.

Leeth showed signs of impairment by having bloodshot, glassy, and watery eyes and a distinct odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his mouth, deputies said. As a precaution for medical reasons, Leeth was taken to Palms of Pasadena Hospital by paramedics.

Deputies continued their criminal investigation at the hospital while waiting for medical clearance. They said Leeth refused to submit a lawful sample of blood for the criminal investigation and removed his medical equipment in an attempt to leave the hospital. Deputies said they ordered Leeth to stop but he refused.

Leeth ran toward the hospital exit. Deputies said they used an electronic control weapon (Taser) to stop Leeth and regain compliance. Leeth was taken into custody without further incident.

Pinellas Sheriff | Crime | DUI | Possession of Cocaine | Arrests | Tampabay News

#PinellasSheriff #Crime #DUI #PossessionofCocaine #Arrests #TampabayNews