Naples, Florida, police asked Mayor Teresa Heitmann to take a field sobriety test before arresting her on a DUI charge. The body-worn camera footage shows Heitmann completing the test, which was conducted after a couple reported that an unknown woman had followed them home. The mayor claimed she was not intoxicated, but the breathalyzer test revealed her BAC was over twice the legal limit.
On August 28th, Naples, Florida, police arrested Mayor Teresa Heitmann for driving under the influence (DUI). Body-worn camera footage obtained by Fox News Digital shows the mayor taking a field sobriety test prior to her arrest.
Mayor Teresa Heitmann's Field Sobriety Test Prior to DUI Arrest
The incident began when a couple called the police to report that an unknown woman in a silver vehicle had followed them home. The couple stated that the woman had followed them from 12th Avenue South and 3rd Street South, a popular strip of restaurants and shops in downtown Naples.
When the couple arrived at their residence, the unknown woman "stopped her vehicle on the grass in front of their home." After a brief exchange, the couple called the police.
Mayor Teresa Heitmann's Field Sobriety Test Prior to DUI Arrest
Police responded to the residence and located the silver vehicle. They identified the driver as Mayor Teresa Heitmann.
Heitmann, who was wearing heels, was asked to step out of the vehicle and perform a field sobriety test.
Mayor Teresa Heitmann's Field Sobriety Test Prior to DUI Arrest
Heitmann initially claimed that she had only one glass of wine, and repeatedly stated she was not intoxicated. She declined the officer's request to remove her heels, optting to do the test in them.
During the test, Heitmann swayed and had difficulty maintaining her balance. She also exhibited slurred speech and had difficulty following instructions.
Mayor Teresa Heitmann's Field Sobriety Test Prior to DUI Arrest
Upon completion of the test, the responding officers determined there was probable cause to arrest Heitmann for driving under the influence of an intoxicating substance. She was transported to Naples Jail Center, where she agreed to participate in a breathalyzer test.
The breathalyzer test revealed that Heitmann had a BAC of 0.155 and 0.169, while the legal limit in Florida is 0.08.
Heitmann was arrested and charged with DUI. She was later released on bond.
"City employees were saddened to learn about last week’s incident involving the Mayor," Naples City Manager Jay Boodheshwar told Fox News Digital in a statement. "Naples community should rest assured that our City team is committed and dedicated to serving our residents. I have 100% confidence that our City employees will not let this incident affect service delivery to our community."
Fox News Digital reached out to Heitmann's attorney, James Derek Verderamo, for comment, but did not receive a response.
