Florida Councilman Arrested on DUI Charges After Found Asleep At The Wheel

Marco Island, FL - A Southwest Florida city councilman was arrested for DUI after being found asleep in his car with signs of impairment.

Police say Erik Brechnitz, a vice chair on the Marco Island City Council, was arrested on Friday for driving under the influence.

Police found the council member asleep in his car in a local parking garage around 2:19 p.m.

Officers reported observing signs of impairment, including bloodshot eyes, confusion, and the smell of alcohol.

Despite providing a breathalyzer result below the legal limit, Brechnitz exhibited behavior consistent with intoxication, according to the police report.

The vice chair allegedly resisted the arrest and made several attempts to discredit the officers, including requesting to speak with the police chief.

Brechnitz tried to leave the area, claiming his wife was sick and told the reporting officer “not to be stupid.”

Police officers then asked Brechnitz if he would be willing to participate in some field sobriety tests.

The officer then explained that if he refused to participate, he could be arrested based on the officer’s observations that he was too impaired to drive.

Brechnitz then agreed to participate, stating that it was a waste of time and asked the officer, “Don’t you have something better to do?”

Brechnitz was booked into custody and released later that day.