Rapper Flo Rida Charged With DUI On Miami Beach
MIAMI BEACH (CBS4) - South Florida rapper Flo Rida has been arrested in Miami Beach for reportedly driving under the influence.
Miami Beach police confirmed that the singer, whose real name is Tramar Dillard, was charged with DUI and driving with a suspended license.
According to the arrest report, a Miami Beach officer spotted a 2008 Bugatti being driven erratically in the 500 block of Washington Avenue. The officer noted that it took two blocks before he could get the driver to pull over at 5th Street and Lennox Avenue.
When the Dillard, 31, got out of the car, the officer described him as having bloodshot watery eyes, slurred speech and the smell of alcohol on his breath. During a road sobriety test, Dillard reportedly said "Officer I can't do this", "I don't feel like I can walk a straight line", "I've had a few drinks" and "I live on the other side of the bridge, I can make it home." While Dillard was being tested, a crowd gathered, some asking that the police let Dillard go, others offering to give him a ride home.
Police say Dillard failed the field sobriety test and measured a .185 on a breathalyzer test, more than twice the legal limit.
"We always advise people that if they're going to come out and entertain in Miami Beach they should either take a taxi or get a driver because this could be a tragic incident," said Miami Beach police spokeswoman Deborah Doty.
After posting bond, Dillard received some special VIP treatment from Miami-Dade corrections officer Corporal Darleen Brownville who helped position his Cadillac Escalade on the wrong side of the street. She helped him put a hat on and towel over his face before he rushed to the vehicle.
Dillard was born in the 187th Street projects of Carol City. The song "Low" from his 2008 debut album "Mail on Sunday" was #1 on the U.S. charts for 10 weeks. "Low" went on to win the People's Choice Award for "Best Hip Hop Song" in 2009.
On his follow up album "R.O.O.T.S." a year later, the song "Right Around" stayed on the Hot 100 list for six weeks. In 2010, "R.O.O.T.S." was nominated for a Grammy Award for "Best Rap Album". That same year Dillard was nominated for a People's Choice Award for "Hip Hop Artist of the Year".
