Deputies: Man arrested for driving backward, but in right direction
BROOKSVILLE (FOX 13) - A driver managed to operate his vehicle in reverse while driving in the correct direction across a major thoroughfare in Hernando County Wednesday. He was spotted by a deputy and pulled over a short time later.
The Hernando County Sheriff's Office said Sergeant William Hillman "could not believe his eyes" when he saw the rear-end of a silver, 2003 4-door Buick heading northbound in the northbound lane of Mariner Boulevard Wednesday night.
"Just so everyone is still with us on this," the press release from the sheriff's office read. "The vehicle was traveling in the correct lane, going in the correct direction, it was just going backwards [sic]."
Sgt. Hillman said the vehicle crossed Cortez Blvd. - which at Mariner Blvd. is an eight-lane intersection - and continued north near Sears. He pulled the vehicle over and was "immediately" told by the driver, 37-year-old Donald Edward Miller, Jr., that Miller's license was suspended. Miller told the deputy he wanted to be let go.
Meanwhile, Deputy Mascitelli came to assist and take over the investigation. Miller told Mascitelli his license had been suspended because he didn't pay his traffic fines and he was driving in reverse because he just bought the Buick and that's the only gear that worked.
Miller was cited for improper backing and driving on a suspended license, and was given a $1,000 bond.