Man charged with DUI with child passenger

PORT CHARLOTTE — A man was arrested recently on suspicious of drunk driving after witnesses reported him swerving and driving on the curb.

He faced additional charges after deputies allegedly discovered a 7-year-old riding in the vehicle’s front seat.

David Kent Nole, 62, was charged with one count each of DUI, DUI with child under 18 in the vehicle, child neglect without great bodily harm, possession of marijuana less than 20 grams, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a call around 8:21 p.m. March 21 at a gas station on the 4300 block of Tamiami Trail.

A 911 caller alleged that they had seen a vehicle “driving onto the curb, swerving all over the roadway, and going at a high rate of speed,” according to the arrest report.

The deputies reported they found a vehicle matching the description parked near a gas pump and approached it.

The driver handed over his license, according to the report, identifying him as Nole.

Deputies also alleged they saw a child, who was a relative of Nole, in the front passenger seat without a booster seat.

The report also alleged that there was an “overwhelming odor” of alcohol coming from Nole’s vehicle. Deputies then asked him to step out of the vehicle.

“(Nole) stumbled and almost fell in the process of getting out of the vehicle,” the report read.

Deputies then asked Nole to complete a series of sobriety tests, but he was allegedly unable to complete several. As a result, he was charged with DUI counts and taken into custody.

They also alleged a search of Nole led to the discovery of a “small plastic baggie” with a “green leafy substance” inside. The substance later tested positive for marijuana.

The report stated Nole possessed a medical marijuana card that expired in 2021.

While being transported to Charlotte County Jail, Nole allegedly asked why the situation was a “big deal” since he did not crash his vehicle.

Nole has since been released from Charlotte County Jail on $11,500 total bond. His next court appearance is set for April 22.