Alexander Chapman arrested for Child Neglect, DUI, and Leaving the Scene of a Crash
Seminole County, Florida – (March 27, 2017) – The Seminole County Sheriff reports that on March 26, 2017, at approximately 9:12 p.m., Seminole County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a traffic crash near the 4000 block of Creekview Circle, in unincorporated Oviedo.
Upon arrival, deputies located the driver, Alexander Chapman, at a nearby residence. Chapman stated he was out for a drive with his 6-month-old baby in his vehicle when he misjudged a turn and crashed into a tree.
Deputies observed Chapman’s eyes appeared droopy and his speech slurred.
Deputies observed Chapman’s eyes appeared droopy and his speech slurred. A series of field sobriety tests were conducted, and based on Chapman’s performance, he was arrested. Chapman was booked into the John E. Polk Correctional Facility on charges of Child Neglect, Driving Under the Influence, and Leaving the Scene of a Crash. He remains incarcerated on a $6,000 bond. No injuries were reported as a result of the accident.
Arrestees: Alexander Lewis Chapman (DOB 10/08/88), Creekview Circle, Oviedo.
REPORT FROM ARRESTING DEPUTY ON STATEMENT OF CHARGES:
On March 26, 2017, at approximately 2112 hours, I responded to a vehicle crash located at 4661 Creekview Lane. The crash was reported as a vehicle versus a tree. Upon arrival, I observed gold Hyundai bearing the tag: GGEJ53 that had been crashed into a tree. I then conducted the crash investigation and located the driver of the vehicle, which was located at 2537 Creekview Circle, which is not his residence. The driver, Alexander Lewis Chapman (D.O.B 10-08-1988), identified by his Florida Driver’s License, stated he was taking out for a ride. Alexander advised his mirror was hanging from his front windshield and caused him to misjudge the turn causing him to hit the tree. After the crash investigation was complete, I informed Alexander the investigation for the crash was complete and notified him that I am now starting an investigation for DUI. I then asked Alexander, the driver of the gold Hyundai, to walk over to the front of my patrol vehicle and he complied. Once at my patrol vehicle Alexander was read his Miranda warnings off my department issued card. Alexander stated that he understood each of his rights and willingly agreed to talk to me. During conversation with Alexander, I observed that he had slurred speech, and droopy eyes.
I then asked if Alexander, if he was willing to perform field sobriety exercises. Alexander stated that he was willing to. Each exercise was both demonstrated and explained before the defendant was asked to perform the exercise. Alexander verbally replied that he understood each exercise before he started. Before the exercises started, I asked Alexander, do you have any physical limitations that would hinder your performance on the field sobriety exercises? He stated that he has glasses but that he was currently wearing contacts. He also advised that he would do the exercises barefoot, due to it being more comfortable. I asked the defendant, do you have any problems with your arms, legs, or balance? The defendant stated, No. The field sobriety exercises were done on a flat and level surface, free from debris, and my emergency lights and siren turned off. The first exercise was the (HGN) Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus. During the exercise I observed the following: (No glasses) Pupils were equal in size Checked for equal tracking, both eyes tracked equally -Lack of smooth pursuit in both the Left and Right eyes -Onset Nystagmus prior to 45 degrees in both eyes -Checked Vertical Gaze Nystagmus -Eyes were glassy, watery. -Swayed while standing still -Unable to follow instructions: did not maintain contact with tip of pen. The second exercise was the (WAT) Walk and Turn. During the exercise I observed the following: -failed to count steps -Failed to stay on line while walking -failed to look down while he walked -stopped during exercise to verify if he was doing it correct -Can`t keep balance -Missed several heel to toe steps -Stepped off the line -Used arms to balance, raised arms over six inches The third exercise was the (OLS) One Leg Stand. (Used his right leg for the exercise) During the exercise I observed the following: -Swayed while balancing -Used arms to balance, raised arms more than six inches -Unable to follow instructions. Dropped foot multiple times -Even after the defendant put he foot down, I informed he to do the above listed instructions and he still failed to perform the divided attention tasks -Placed arms behind back -counted (16) twice The fourth exercise was the Finger to Nose (FTN). (R,L,L,R,L) During the exercise I observed the following: -Failed to return arms to the side (on the first attempt) -movements were very slow -Failed to return arms to the side -Tip of Index finger did not touch tip of the nose on ALL attempts -Touched the left side of nose with right hand The fifth exercise was the Rhomberg Alphabet: (B through X) During the exercise I observed the following: -orbital sway -Skipped letters between R-X.
After the exercises were completed, I determined the defendant`s normal faculties required to operate a motor vehicle were impaired beyond the legal limit by either alcohol and or drugs. Therefore, the defendant was arrested for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and or Drugs, F.S.S. 316.193. Due to Alexander not having in a proper child restraint and facing the correct way, he did not provide with the care, supervision, and services necessary to maintain the child’s physical and mental health. Alexander also was seen leaving in the car at the scene of the traffic accident.
Due to the facts and circumstances, Alexander is in violation of F.S.S 827.03 (2d) – Neglect child without great bodily harm.
Alexander was seen by an off-duty fireman, leaving the scene that had more than $50 damage, due to the airbag deployment and the front end damage, which is in violation of 316.061 (1)- Hit and run- leave the scene of a crash involving damage to property greater than $50. Alexander was placed in handcuffs that were checked for proper fit and double locked.
The defendant was transported to the John E. Polk Correctional Facility Upon arrival at the jail, the defendant was turned over to the Breath Technician, Ray Garcia.
The defendant was asked to provide a lawful sample of his breath and urine and he refused. Mr. Garcia read the defendant Implied Consent, the defendant acknowledged the consequences, and still refused to provide a breath sample and urine sample.
Due to him being in a car accident he needed to medically cleared. Alexander was taken to Central Florida Hospital, cleared, and returned to the John E. Polk Correctional Facility.