A Florida man was arrested after deputies discovered him unconscious behind the wheel of a vehicle at a gas station while his 5-year-old son sat in the backseat and a handgun remained visible inside the car. Authorities identified the suspect as 26-year-old Patrick Voegtly, who was found passed out in the driver’s seat in Plant City during what officials described as a dangerous and deeply concerning situation. According to deputies, the young child calmly told responding officers that his father was “just sleeping,” highlighting the alarming scene unfolding inside the vehicle. Law enforcement officials quickly secured the firearm and removed the child from the area before taking the father into custody.

Investigators said deputies suspected Voegtly was under the influence when they arrived at the gas station and began assessing the condition of both the driver and the child. Authorities noted that having a visible handgun inside the vehicle while allegedly impaired raised additional safety concerns during the encounter. The child was reportedly unharmed, but officials emphasized that the circumstances placed the boy in potential danger, especially with the vehicle positioned in a public area while the driver was unconscious. The incident immediately drew attention online as many expressed outrage over the risks posed to the child.

Voegtly now faces multiple charges, including driving under the influence, child neglect, and improper exhibition of a firearm. Florida law enforcement officials continue urging drivers never to operate vehicles while impaired, particularly when children are present, warning that these situations can rapidly become deadly. Supporters of strict DUI enforcement argued the arrest likely prevented a far more serious tragedy from occurring had the vehicle entered traffic or the firearm become accessible. The case remains under investigation as authorities move forward with criminal proceedings against the suspect.