County fire captain faces charge of DUI
BOYNTON BEACH — A Palm Beach County Fire Rescue captain faces a criminal charge after he allegedly refused to take a Breathalyzer test for police officers conducting a DUI investigation, according to a Boynton Beach arrest report.
According to the report, A. J. O’Laughlin, 50, was spotted driving recklessly on southbound Federal Highway near Boynton Beach Boulevard at about 3:45 p.m. Nov. 9. A caller advised that O’Laughlin’s vehicle was cutting in front of other cars, ran a red light and almost hit a light pole.
O’L aughlin has worked as a count y firefighter for 25 years. He is on extended leave, Fire Rescue spokesman Capt. Albert Borroto said Monday.
According to the report, an officer pulled O’Laughlin over on the 300 block of South Federal Highway, near Ocean Avenue. The officer noted in the report that O’Laughlin’s vehicle had a strong alco - hol odor.
The officer noted that he was not wearing shoes and that he swayed from side to side when asked to walk to the rear of the vehicle, the report said. He refused several requests to take a breath test.
Authorities say O’Laughlin made profane statements and fell onto the floor after being driven to the Boynton Beach Police Department.
O’Laughlin was released from the Palm Beach County Jail on Nov. 10 on his own recognizance, according to online records.