Clocked at 80 mph in a 35-mph zone at about 10 p.m. April 10 in Cortez, a Sarasota man was arrested for driving under the influence and driving without a valid license.
Brent Strickland, 22, of Sarasota, also was cited for speeding in the 12100 block of Cortez Road West, according to a Manatee County Sheriff Office deputy’s probable cause report.
The deputy reported the driver had bloodshot, watery eyes and a strong odor of alcohol on his breath.
According to the MCSO report, Strickland failed the DUI field sobriety tests and two breath samples measured .158 and .159. The legal limit is .08.
He was booked at the Manatee County jail and released on an $870 bond.
The 12th Judicial Circuit Court prosecutor filed formal charges against Strickland, upping the DUI charge to one with .15 or higher and prior convictions. State law provides for increased penalties for DUI offenders with prior convictions.
His court arraignment is set for 8:25 a.m. Monday, May 11, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.