Patrick Voegtly, 26, was arrested in Plant City, Florida, after deputies found him passed out in his pickup truck with his 5-year-old son alone in the backseat and unsecured firearms nearby.
Incident Details
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office responded shortly before 8 p.m. Thursday to a Shell gas station. Body camera footage showed deputies discovering a gun on Voegtly’s hip and another under the seat while attempting to wake him. The child was reportedly aware his father was asleep in the truck.
Charges
Voegtly faces child neglect, improper exhibition of a firearm, and driving under the influence. His blood alcohol content was over twice the legal limit of 0.08.
Custody and Statement
Voegtly resisted arrest but was taken into custody safely. He was booked into Hillsborough County Jail and later posted bond. Sheriff Chad Chronister called the incident “a complete disregard for the safety of others” and credited deputies for preventing a potential tragedy.
