Man blames dog for driving during traffic stop in Martin County

Will Greenlee | Treasure Coast Newspapers

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MARTIN COUNTY — A man pulled over during a traffic stop told state troopers his dog was doing the driving.

His dog.

The case began about 11:30 p.m. May 16 as Florida Highway Patrol troopers traveled south on Interstate 95 passing Becker Road, an arrest report states.

Investigators say a Nissan sedan entered I-95 from Becker Road and into one of the trooper’s paths.

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One of the troopers stopped the Nissan after noticing it drifting and traveling at least 15 mph less than the 70 mph speed limit, among other things.

Investigators reported smelling booze from the vehicle’s interior.

The driver, identified by troopers as Scott Allen Garrett, 56, looked for his license for several minutes, but couldn’t find it. Investigators saw a license in a wallet on the passenger seat. Next to the wallet was a bottle of 92 proof Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum.

A trooper pointed to the wallet, and Garret struggled to get the license out.

He said he wasn’t sure where he was coming from, eventually saying he left his girlfriend’s home.

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Garrett, who wasn’t wearing shoes, said his girlfriend “pissed him off” and they quarreled about his dog.

Garrett said his dog was driving, a feat that could be considered problematic for even accomplished canines, such as Scooby-Doo, Rin Tin Tin or Old Yeller. Still, a slew of recent Subaru commercials feature dogs driving, so it may be possible.

Troopers evidently thought Garrett was barking up the wrong tree with the designated dog driver explanation. A trooper asked Garrett how many drinks he’d consumed.

“A bunch of drinks,” he said.

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Garrett participated in field sobriety exercises before troopers arrested him on a DUI charge.

His blood alcohol content measured at 0.252 and 0.248, greater than three times the legal limit of 0.08.