A Bradenton man found unconscious in his car at Manatee Avenue and Gulf Drive was charged with driving under the influence.
Justin Doyle Chittenden, 32, was arrested Jan. 8 after Holmes Beach Police Sgt. Kevin Powers saw Chittenden’s vehicle fail to proceed through the intersection after two traffic light cycles.
According to Powers’ affidavit, he observed an unconscious male in the driver’s seat and called for back-up. Powers also allegedly saw a syringe in Chittenden’s right hand and a plastic bag between his legs.
Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Deputy William Coleman arrived on scene, read Chittenden his Miranda rights and administered field sobriety tests.
Coleman determined Chittenden was impaired.
Chittenden told authorities that he had a cyst on the brain that caused severe headaches, a bulging disc in his neck and back and arthritis. He also told police he injected opiate medication for pain management.
According to the MCSO report, Chittenden took a Breathalyzer test, which registered 0.00. He provided a urine sample and told Coleman it may show opiates and cannabis. He also allegedly told the deputy he takes Klonopin for a post-traumatic stress disorder.
Chittenden was booked into the Manatee County jail, posted $500 cash bond and was released.
He was appointed a public defender and entered a plea of not guilty Jan. 13.
Chittenden’s arraignment is set for 8:25 a.m. Monday, Feb. 23, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.