INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — A Vero Beach area man was arrested, accused of driving under the influence after a deputy observed him running a red light on 58th Avenue at 12th Street and fled from the officer at a high rate of speed.
The deputy gave chase with lights and sirens activated shortly after 11 p.m. Sunday, reaching speeds over 100 m.p.h. to catch up to the driver, who was identified as Sean S. Vanarman, 23 , of the 4000 block of 12th Place SW, Vero Beach.
Vanarman’s vehicle ended up in a ditch on the west side of 63rd Avenue after he failed to negotiate the turn, according to the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office.
Vanarman told the deputy he fled because he had had an altercation with a man at the Vero Beach Sports Bar who identified himself as a cop and was “creepy,” according to the arrest affidavit. The man told Vanarman that Vanarman’s girlfriend was attractive and that he (Vanarman) better watch out, he told the deputy.
He further explained that he didn’t see the deputy’s emergency lights – only headlights behind him and he thought the guy from the sports bar was following him, which is why he was speeding.
The deputy noted Vanaraman smelled of alcohol and Vanarman said he had four beers over four hours at the bar.
After being placed under arrest and transported to the jail, Vanarman performed field sobriety exercises, which he failed, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Vanarman faces charges of driving under the influence and fleeing and eluding an officer. He was also cited for running the red light.
