INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — An Indian River County Sheriff’s Deputy resigned from his post prior to turning himself into the Indian River County jail Monday, where he was arrested on a warrant for driving under the influence. His blood alcohol level nearly an hour after the crash was 0.250 – more than triple the legal limit.
The warrant was issued Monday as a result of a traffic crash investigation, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
The deputy, identified as 27-year-old Don W. Robinson, would have been terminated if he had not resigned, according to a statement from Sheriff Deryl Loar released through the Sheriff’s Office.
“The public rightfully holds us to a high standard,” Sheriff Loar said. “The behavior exhibited by Robinson does not meet the high standard of the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office.”
Robinson, of Vero Beach, was not on duty and was reportedly involved in a single vehicle crash on Aug. 28, according to the Sheriff’s Office. The crash occurred near the 4800 block of U.S. 1 at approximately 1:30 a.m.
Indian River County Sheriff’s Deputy Kevin Keitz noted that he saw the crashed 2010 white Nissan pickup in the bushes. Deputy Keitz reported that Robinson was out of the vehicle by the time he arrived, he was unsteady on his feet, and there were no other occupants in the truck.
A semi-truck driver later reported that he saw Robinson exit the vehicle and he helped him from the bushes. The truck driver stated he did not see anyone else in Robinson’s truck.
Robinson was transported to Lawnwood Regional Medical Center with a head injury and later told a traffic crash investigator, Deputy Doug Mackenzie, he did not remember anything about the crash. His medical records were obtained by subpoena and his blood alcohol was .250 approximately 45 to 60 minutes after the crash.
Since the crash, Robinson had been on administrative leave while the medical records were obtained and the investigation took place. He resigned via email Oct. 21. Robinson turned himself in at the county jail, was booked in, and released on $500 bond.
“We have an obligation to the citizens of Indian River County to enforce the laws equally,” said Sheriff Loar. “Our deputies know there is no special treatment extended to anyone because of their status as an employee of the agency. While I certainly do not like to see a young deputy such as Robinson throw away his career, I have to consider what would happen if no action was taken and the next time he hit another vehicle and hurt or killed someone.”
