Florida Gators junior defensive end Carlos Dunlap, 20, was arrested at 3:25 a.m. Tuesday morning by Gainesville Police on charges of driving under the influence. Dunlap was found slumped over sleeping behind the wheel of his red Chrystler at a traffic light by Officer Robert Rogers, who was dispatched to the area after reports of reckless driving were sent in.
At a complete stop, Dunlap’s car sat still as the traffic light went through multiple cycles. Officers then went over to the car and turned off the ignition while the clutch was still in gear, according to the police report. Dunlap, once awoken, was “very groggy,” showed signs of impairment (bloodshot eyes, difficulty relaying basic information, alcohol on his breath), performed poorly in field sobriety tests and refused a breath test.
“They approached the car and found the suspect slumped over in the driver’s seat,” GPD spokesman Lt. Keith Kameg said. “He appeared to be asleep. The car’s windows were cracked so they attempted to wake him up. They talked to him and he would only open his eyes for a few seconds and then fall back asleep.”
Dunlap faces one second degree misdemeanor DUI charge and will remain in jail without bond until he faces an Alachua County judge. This charge is his first offense. Team spokesman Steve McClain said that the Gators are “aware of the incident and are currently gathering more information.” Head coach Urban Meyer is expected to address the situation after practice Tuesday evening.
UPDATE: Dunlap stood in front of Judge Mary Day Coker Tuesday morning, who told the future NFL first round draft pick that he cannot possess alcohol or drugs or drive a motor vehicle as his license has been revoked. Coker also admonished Dunlap for underage drinking and gave him no bond as this was his first offense. Dunlap’s only replies during the meeting were soft “Yes, ma’am”s. He was released on his own recognizance and will return to court at a later date.
OGGOA will have more on this breaking news story as it becomes available. For now, Florida fans can expect one of the Gators’ top defensive players and the 2009 BCS National Championship game MVP to be suspended for Saturday’s SEC Championship game against the Alabama Crimson Tide.
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