Sarasota sheriff releases video of drunk driver as warning against impaired driving

SARASOTA -- The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office released a video Tuesday that shows a drunk driver getting out of his vehicle and falling on the ground, unable to get up until law enforcement arrests him, after they say he was involved in a hit and run crash.

Wendy Rose, spokeswoman for the sheriff's office, said they are releasing the video, "as a sobering reminder to all motorists of who they just might be sharing the road with. We also hope it causes people who are impaired -- whether by alcohol or other substances -- to think twice before getting behind the wheel."

The video shows Aaron Proulx, 23, parking his car and getting out, falling immediately and remaining on the ground after repeated attempts to get up for two minutes. His passenger tried to assist him and fell down herself, also unable to get up.

Proulx was tracked by the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office helicopter, which he gives the "single-finger salute" during the video. Deputies found and arrested him five miles from the crash site and he was charged with driving under the influence with property damage and hit and run. His breath test results were .22.

This story was originally published December 1, 2015 at 1:10 PM with the headline "Sarasota sheriff releases video of drunk driver as warning against impaired driving ."