DUI charge to be filed against Manatee County Commissioner George Kruse
Manatee County Commissioner George Kruse will face a driving under the influence charge, following an investigation by the State Attorney's Office.
State Attorney Ed Brodsky's office issued a media statement on Wednesday stating that the commissioner will be charged with one count of DUI for the April 20 incident where Kruse crashed into a tree near his home in east Manatee County.
Kruse, a Republican in an at-large seat, was originally issued a ticket for reckless driving, but body cam footage showed that the Manatee County sheriff's deputy who responded to the scene skipped field sobriety tests despite acknowledging that Kruse showed clear signs of intoxication.
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Kruse could not immediately be reached for comment following the state attorney's announcement, which was issued by media specialist Kia Evans late Wednesday afternoon.
Kruse had already received a fine and agreed to attend traffic school for the crash, but will now need to contend with the charges brought forth from Brodsky's office. His arraignment is scheduled for July 19.
"Due to the public interest shown in the case and in response to our frequent media inquiries about the status of this case, today the State Attorney’s Office announces that an Information is being filed charging George K. Kruse with a single count of Driving Under the Influence (DUI)," Evans wrote.
"The arraignment is scheduled for July 19, 2022, and in accordance with applicable Florida law, a summons will be issued for George K. Kruse," Evans said. "Please bear in mind all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The State Attorney’s Office will not be making any comments while this case is pending."
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: George Kruse to face DUI charge following Manatee County crash
