Man arrested in Lee County accused of DUI, attempting to bribe state trooper

LEE COUNTY, Fla. —

A man was arrested on Friday in Lee County after being accused of DUI and attempting to bribe a Florida Highway Patrol trooper.

According to FHP, at around 11:51 p.m., troopers responded to reports of a Nissan SUV that was swerving and almost crashed while taking an exit, but continued southbound on I-75.

FHP said the SUV was brake-checking and almost crashing into multiple other vehicles on the road while driving at speeds of approximately 50 mph on I-75, obstructing traffic.

A trooper stopped the SUV and identified the driver as Julian Soto, 37, FHP said. Soto failed field sobriety tests and submitted a breath sample of .201 BAC.

While being transported, Soto offered bribes for the trooper to release him, telling the trooper he could have someone Zelle them money, FHP said. The trooper then told Soto it would be in his best interest not to continue with the attempted conversation.

Soto then began yelling at the trooper, threatening them by saying he would use a military friend's resources to find the trooper, and that the trooper didn't know who they were messing with, FHP said.

Soto was arrested and faces charges of DUI, threatening a public servant and bribery.

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