He was one of 22 people accused of DUI during a countywide wolf pack aimed at impaired drivers.

ST. PETERSBURG – An off-duty St. Petersburg police sergeant was arrested early this morning (Dec. 22) during a countywide wolf pack operation aimed at getting drunk drivers off the streets, according to the  Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.

Lesandro E. Santiago, 44, was charged with one count of DUI.

Santiago was removed from his patrol duties and placed on administrative duty until his criminal charge is resolved in court, the St. Petersburg Police Department said. After that, he will be investigated by the Office of Professional Standards (internal affairs) and will face professional consequences. He has been with the St. Petersburg department since March 31, 2003.

Deputies assigned to the DUI Unit countywide wolf pack said that, about 3:11 a.m.they saw Santiago, who was driving his personal car, on Fourth Street S near 11th Avenue. Santiago was swerving and failing to stay in his lane. (For related story about the wolf pack, click here.)

Santiago showed signs of impairment by having bloodshot and glassy eyes, and a distinct odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his mouth, deputies said. Santiago agreed to perform field sobriety tests, but performed poorly on them.

Deputies said Santiago refused a breath sample and admitted to drinking alcohol earlier.

Pinellas Sheriff | St. Pete Police | Crime | DUI | Arrests | Tampabay News

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