Opa-locka Police Major Arrested on DUI Charges

By Jonathan Blecher on September 17, 2015

An Opa-locka Police major was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) over the weekend, and has been placed on administrative leave, officials said.

Maj. P. Cruz was arrested for DUI in Aventura and placed on administrative leave, said Opa-locka spokesman David Chiverton on Aug. 31.

Cruz, 56, was arrested early Sunday morning (Aug. 30) in the 19900 block of W. Country Club Drive, according to the arrest report.

That evening, Cruz was driving a silver Ford pickup truck when he drove through an intersection and crashed into a fence. His vehicle ultimately came to a stop out on a golf course.

According to the police report, after the crash, Cruz proceeded to drive through trees and shrubs on Turnberry Resort and Golf Course.

Cruz said that the pickup was a police vehicle and a rental, and he identified himself as an Opa-locka police officer, according to the report.

The officer who was speaking to Cruz could smell the strong odor of alcohol on Cruz’s breath, and he had bloodshot eyes. Cruz was swaying and stumbled when he tried to walk, the report said.

The Opa-locka police officer couldn’t stand without holding support. He refused to perform field sobriety tests and he would not provide a sample of his breath, the report said.

Cruz was placed in a holding cell at the Aventura Police station. Afterwards, he stripped completely naked and fell asleep, the report said.

Cruz is not on duty in his official capacity. He has been charged with DUI, and damage to property in Aventura. He posted a $1,000 bond on each of those charges.

The city manager of Opa-locka relived Cruz of his duties and placed him on administrative leave. It is unknown as to whether Cruz has hired a defense attorney.

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