Last update at 12:15 p.m.
VERO BEACH – After a mid-morning break in the DUI trial of County Administrator Joe Baird, defense attorney Bobby Guttridge continued to cross-examine Lt. Matt Harrelson of the Vero Beach Police Department, who pulled Baird over on May 16.
Guttridge questioned Harrelson for an hour about each of the roadside sobriety tests, dissecting the physical and mental faculties required by and demonstrated by each test. Though no evidence has yet been presented to establish that Baird is afflicted with vertigo, an extended discussion ensued with Guttridge asking Harrelson to speculate how vertigo or a “balance problem” might affect a person’s performance on those tests.
Assistant State Attorney David Dodd redirected questioning of Harrelson and then Guttridge asked a few final questions. Harrelson was released for the time being but told to be prepared to be recalled for further testimony.
The court is in recess until 1:30 p.m., at which time the prosecution will continue to present its case.
