Lehigh Acres man accused of driving drunk with 9-year-old girl in car

Troopers from the Florida Highway Patrol arrested a Lehigh Acres man after they say he was caught driving drunk with a 9-year-old in the car Saturday night.

FHP says in a press release that troopers noticed a Chevrolet Silverado traveling east on State Road 82, approaching Buckingham Road. Troopers say they saw the car turn left against a red arrow.

FHP says that during a traffic stop the driver, David Valencia, 43, showed signs of impairment with a strong smell of alcohol from his breath and slurred speech. Valencia reportedly told troopers he had one beer.

In the car with Valencia was a 9-year-old girl, troopers say. They add that she was released to a sober adult family member and that the Department of Children and Families was notified.

Valencia was arrested on charges of DUI and child neglect. He was booked into the Lee County Jail, where troopers say he submitted breath samples of .233, a blood alcohol level which is nearly three times the legal limit.

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