These columns list arrests and not convictions, unless otherwise stated. Anyone listed here who is later found not guilty or has had the charges against them dropped is welcome to inform this newspaper. The information will be confirmed and printed.
A suspect was chased out of Race Trac in attempt to keep him from driving while impaired.
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OKEECHOBEE — A deputy chased a man out of the Race Trac Gas Station Saturday in an attempt to stop him from getting behind the wheel of his car. As Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Deputy Richard Varnadore got a drink at Race Trac March 20 around 1:30 a.m., he noticed another customer purchasing Twisted Tea (an alcoholic beverage) and Gatorade. As the customer, later identified as Christopher Olivarez, 26, paid for his items, he appeared to be nodding off, closing his eyes and swaying back and forth.
According to Varnadore’s report, Olivarez finished paying for his items and then turned and noticed Varnadore in full uniform. Olivarez quickly left the store, ran to his vehicle, got into the driver’s side and sped out of the parking lot. Varnadore ran to his vehicle in an attempt to stop Olivarez from reaching the roadway, because he believed the man was intoxicated. The vehicle drove north on Northeast 16th Avenue, and Varnadore was able to catch up to him. After the vehicle stopped, Varnadore watched as the driver and passenger switched seats, climbing over one another.
As Olivarez exited the car, he almost fell out the report notes. Varnadore asked him why he switched seats and Olivarez denied it. Olivarez was rubbing his leg as if in pain, so Varnadore asked him if he hurt it while jumping into the back seat, and Olivarez laughed. Olivarez reportedly refused a breath test. He was charged with DUI and driving while license is suspended. His bond was set at $6,250.
