911 calls abound to report intoxicated driver

BROOKSVILLE A man is in custody on DUI charges after a slew of Brookridge retirement community residents called law enforcement to report a driver who was running over a slew of mailboxes, street signs and other items in their area.

Michael Newcomer, 29, of Brooksville, is charged with driving under the influence, damaging property and leaving the scene of an accident after witnesses told deputies they saw him driving a pickup truck through the area, according to a Hernando County Sheriff's Office report.

Deputies were able to track the gray pickup due to numerous reports from nearby residents, the report showed. Witnesses claim they saw the truck strike mailboxes, streets signs and once concrete lion statue.

Once the vehicle was stopped, deputies noted Newcomer had a strong odor of alcohol on his breath along with having slurred speech and bloodshot eyes. His truck also had damage to the front and had one headlight out.

Newcomer told deputies he had a mixed drink that included three shots of Crown Royal whisky that he drank while taking numerous medications. He said he didn't know where he was and that he went for a drive following an argument with his wife.

After failing sobriety tests, Newcomer was arrested and taken to Hernando County Jail where his bond was set at $1,500.