The Lake Wales Police arrested Samuel Leone Hamilton, of Carla Ct., Winter Haven on 9/20/24. According to reports Hamilton was allegedly swerving and almost caused two separate accidents that were witnessed by officers. He accelerated at high rate of speed prior to his arrest. He eventually stopped and was taken into custody. He refused a breathalyzer test. He was arrested and charged with Fleeing To Elude & DUI.
Here is an excerpt of the arrest affidavit (It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by the Lake Wales Police Department. These facts are up for question and everyone is entitled to question the validity of facts by law enforcement in a court of law. The Lake Wales Daily does not rewrite these facts as some meanings or interpretations could be in error and change context. We hope readers appreciate being able to read the information and come to their own understanding and conclusions)
“On September 20, 2024, at approximately 1700 hours, I responded to the area of Chevron gas station, Lake Wales, in reference to a traffic complaint.
I, Officer Natal (L433) was dispatched to the area Hwy 27 south and Chevron gas station near Hunt Brothers Road. I then made contact with a silver in color GMC Sierra bearing Florida registration tag Y329SF. I observed the vehicle in question swerving out of his lane and nearly crashing into another motorist. After observing the vehicle reckless driving, I conducted a traffic stop near Hwy 27 North and Central Avenue. The vehicle continued traveling North on the outside lane on Hwy 27 ignoring my lights and sirens on my agency issued marked patrol vehicle. then observed the vehicle nearly side swipe a tractor trailer, which was traveling in the middle lane. I observed the vehicle accelerate in an attempt to flee from me. At this time, I advised dispatched that I was in pursuit of the vehicle.
The vehicle reached speeds over 90 MPH passing Mountain lake Cut-Off on Hwy 27. I attempted to catch up to the vehicle and observed the vehicle slow down due to a Polk County Sheriff Deputy blocking his lane path. The vehicle came to a stop in the middle lane near the intersection of Hwy 27 and Washington Avenue. I ordered the driver out of the vehicle and to throw his vehicle keys on the road. I asked the driver to exit the vehicle and to walk backwards to the sound of my voice. The driver, later identified as Samuel Leone Hamilton, was taken into custody using my agency issued handcuffs and placed in my marked patrol car. I ran Hamilton’s using D.A.V.I.D. and discovered Hamilton licensed was suspended on 09/09/2024. I also discovered Hamilton has a previous conviction for DWSLR dated on 04/11/2024.
I observed indicators that led me to believe Hamilton was under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. I was able to indicate the smell of an alcoholic beverage emitting from his person. In addition, I was able to observe Hamilton slur his words and be extremely repetitive with the things he was stating. Hamilton displayed several indicators of impairment.
PHASE 2 Personal Contact:
I made contact with Hamilton and observed his speech to be slurred/mumbled, his eyes to be blood shot/watery, and a moderate odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his breath and person. I observed him to be unsteady on his feet and had a hard time exiting the vehicle. Hamilton had to hold onto the side of the vehicle for support to exit the vehicle.
Based on these indicators I asked Hamilton to submit to a serles of Field Sobriety Test (SFST’s) and Hamilton consented to those test.
Prior to conducting the test. I asked Hamilton a series of medical auestions.
I was able to determine based on Hamilton answers that he was not suffering from a medical issue or diabetic episode. I also questioned Hamilton of any pre-existing body pains prior to conducting SFST’s. Hamilton advised of knee pain he has endured when he was younger, but was still able to walk correct. Based on what Hamilton advised, SFST’s were conducted.
PHASE 3 Pre-Arrest Screening / Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SEST’S):
I conducted the following Field Sobriety test (SFST’s) with the following results:
Horizontal Gaze and Nystagmus – observed 6 of 6 clues 4 or more clues is an indicate of impairment
Walk and Turn – Observed 8 of 8 clues 2 or more clues is an indicates of impairment
One Leg Stand – Observed 4 of 4 clues, 2 or more clues is an indicator of impairment.
Based on my observations I determined Hamilton was operating a motor vehicle with in Polk County, Florida and based on my training and experience was determined to be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol to the point where his normal faculties were impaired.
I advised Hamilton of the DUI charge, he advised they understood, and I took him into custody without incident.
Post Arrest Procedures / Breath Testing:
I transported Hamilton to the Polk County Processing Center. During the transporting process. Upon my arrival at the Processing Center for breath test at 2100 hours, I began a 20-minute observation period at 2130 hours.
At the conclusion of the 20-minute observation period, I requested Hamilton provide two breath samples to determine his breath alcohol level. Hamilton stated he was refused to provide a breath sample. After being read
Implied consent Hamilton said no and not consented to take the breath test because I know my license is suspended.
I advised Hamilton he would be charged with refusal as well of the DUI. Hamilton advised he understood.
I issued Hamilton one Florida DUI citation (AIE9ICE) for Florida state statue charge and Fleeing to elude with lights and sirens active High Speeds (AKA4HQE). Furthermore, I released him to Book-In staff to complete the booking process.
Hamilton refused to provide a breath sample during the same incident.
Based on the facts in this investigation, Samuel Leone Hamilton was criminally charged with one count of DUI and One count of fleeing to elude with lights and sirens activated High Speeds.”
