Clearwater firefighter accused of DUI, leaving cocaine shoe-prints in deputy's vehicle
ST. PETE BEACH (FOX 13) - A Clearwater firefighter was arrested for DUI after leaving behind shoe prints made of cocaine in a deputy’s vehicle, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.
On Tuesday around 6 p.m., a "concerned citizen" flagged down deputies after finding an unresponsive driver sitting behind the wheel of a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, the sheriff’s office reports. The truck was stopped at the traffic light in the eastbound turn lane on Boca Ciega Drive near 75th Avenue in St. Pete Beach.
Deputies found the driver, identified as 36-year-old Andrew Leeth, who works with the Clearwater Fire Department. He was found slumped over the driver seat and unresponsive, they said. The truck was in drive, and there was no one else in the vehicle.
According to Leeth’s arrest affidavit, deputies said they smelled alcohol on his breath. They transported him to Palms of Pasadena Hospital. There he refused to submit blood for the criminal investigation, deputies said. He began to remove his medical equipment to try and leave the hospital.
Deputies said they ordered him to stop, but he refused. They deployed a Taser on him as he ran toward the exit, they said. He was taken into custody.
At some point during Tuesday evening, Leeth exited the prisoner compartment of the deputy’s vehicle and left behind shoe prints with a white powdery substance in the seat, according to deputies. They said it tested positive for cocaine.
Leeth was arrested and faces charges including DUI and possession of cocaine. There is no word on his employment status with the Clearwater Fire Department.