DESTIN, Fla. — A wrong-way driver with no headlights on reportedly came close to crashing head-on into an Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office deputy late Saturday night.
The driver, identified as Michael Singletary, was said to be traveling south in the northbound lanes of Calhoun Avenue around 11 p.m. when he nearly collided with a marked patrol vehicle driven by Deputy Sheriff Sewart, who was proactively patrolling the area.
Deputy Sewart was able to avoid the collision and attempted a traffic stop after noticing what were described as several indicators of intoxicated driving. According to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO), Mr Singletary fled, but additional deputies responded and quickly surrounded the vehicle.
After refusing commands to exit, Mr Singletary was reportedly removed from the vehicle by deputies. A search of the vehicle allegedly turned up an empty bottle of whiskey and more than an ounce of marijuana.
The OCSO said Mr Singletary did not have a valid driver’s license and had multiple prior arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The agency stated that it maintains a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence and remains committed to keeping roadways safe.
