St Augustine Fire Department Lieutenant Peter Eric Weiland turned 42 years-old last Saturday; a birthday the local firefighter will not soon forget — although he probably would like to.
According to records obtained from the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office by Historic City News, while Weiland, who resides in St Augustine Beach, was staying at the Gaylord Palms resort in Kissimmee last weekend, he was involved in a parking lot collision with two other vehicles, which he failed to report.
A witness who observed the crash called police, who located Weiland. The deputy on the scene reported that Weiland had “bloodshot” and “watery” eyes; and, the officer said that he smelled “alcohol” on the driver’s breath.
The officer asked Lieutenant Weiland to submit to a breath alcohol test — but, he refused. By refusing the test, Weiland’s driver’s license was automatically suspended for one year. He surrendered his license.
A check of past driving arrests revealed that Weiland has a clean driver history and has no citations in the past 7 years, and he has never been cited for driving while intoxicated.
No one was injured in the incident, although there was significant property damage.
The following charges were brought against Weiland:
•316.061-1 – LEAVE SCENE OF ACCIDENT W/PROPERTY DAMAGE
•316.193-1 – DUI ALCOHOL OR DRUGS 1ST OFFENSE
•316.193-3C1 – DUI & DAMAGE PROPERTY
•316.193-3C1 – DUI & DAMAGE PROPERTY
He was released after posting a $2,000.00 appearance bond
City officials, including City Manager John Regan and Fire Chief Mike Arnold, are aware of the incident. Weiland will be required to return to court to answer the charges.
Until it is known what the outcome of those proceedings will be, Weiland remains in his $53,335.38 per year position and no disciplinary action has been taken by the City of St Augustine.
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