Reckless driver arrested for DUI on U.S. 1

A 25-year-old man was arrested early Tuesday morning for speeding and driving recklessly on U.S. 1 in the Lower Keys.

James George Ventola was charged with DUI and reckless driving. It was unclear where Ventola lives as of Tuesday morning.

Sheriff’s Office 911 Communications Specialists released a be-on-the-lookout about 5:30 a.m. regarding a small, dark car that was speeding and passing cars illegally northbound on U.S. 1 near Crane Boulevard on Upper Sugarloaf Key. Lower Keys Deputies Aaron Roddy and Jonathan Lane were on patrol at the time in separate patrol cars. Deputy Roddy was southbound near Mile Marker 27 when he spotted the northbound suspect vehicle passing multiple vehicles via the turning lane and median. The suspect car was also driving into oncoming traffic. The suspect car was traveling 83 mph in a 45 mph zone.

Deputy Roddy turned around and attempted to catch up with the suspect vehicle, but was unable to due to traffic. Deputy Lane stopped the car at the Breezy Pines RV Estates on Big Pine Key.

Ventola was identified as the driver. There was also a 27-year-old passenger in the car.

There were empty Corona® beer bottles in the car, which smelled of alcohol. Ventola’s eyes were red and bloodshot. His speech was slurred. Ventola declined to perform field sobriety tests. He was arrested. The passenger called for a ride and left the scene.

Ventola’s blood alcohol content was measured at .150. The legal limit in Florida is .08.

Ventola was booked into jail.