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Kruse to be Charged with One Count of DUI

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BRADENTON – Last month, TBT reported that Manatee County Commissioner George Kruse was being investigated for driving under the influence after crashing into a tree near his home in Greyhawk Landing. The State Attorney's Office for the 12th Judicial Circuit announced Wednesday that the commissioner will be charged with a single count of Driving Under the Influence (DUI).

"Due to the public interest shown in the case and in response to our frequent media inquiries about the status of this case, today the State Attorney’s Office announces that an Information is being filed charging George K. Kruse with a single count of Driving Under the Influence (DUI),“ read a statement from Kiah Evans, Media Specialist for State Attorney Ed Brodsky’s office.

"The arraignment is scheduled for July 19, 2022, and in accordance with applicable Florida law, a summons will be issued for George K. Kruse,“ the statement continued. "Please bear in mind all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The State Attorney’s Office will not be making any comments while this case is pending.“

The incident took place on April 20. The Herald-Tribune originally reported that Kruse was under investigation. Bodycam footage from the responding officer published by TBT showed Kruse in what appeared to be an extremely inebriated state at the time of the crash.

However, the deputy that was first to arrive on the scene did not conduct any sort of DUI investigation and allowed Kruse’s wife to drive him home from the scene without performing a field sobriety test or administering a breathalyzer, despite telling the second officer on the scene that the commissioner was clearly inebriated.


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