Orlando police officer relieved of duty after DUI, hit-and-run, officials say

Officer Michael Lemmerman hit 2 parked cars in Manatee County, FHP says

ORLANDO, Fla. – An Orlando police officer has been relieved of duty after being accused of being involved in a DUI hit-and-run crash in Manatee County, according to officials.

Orlando police said Officer Michael Lemmerman, 33, was off duty and driving his personal vehicle when he was stopped Saturday after being spotted swerving on the roadway by a Manatee County deputy.

In an arrest report, troopers with Florida Highway Patrol said that Lemmerman was visiting his brother's apartment complex, when he hit two parked cars as he drove away.

A deputy was able to stop Lemmerman a couple miles up the road, adding he was swerving in the roadway.

During an investigation, the Florida Highway Patrol linked Lemmerman to a hit-and-run accident involving two parked cars in Bradenton, Orlando police said.

A witness called dispatchers and said two men were arguing in the parking lot. The woman told the dispatcher that one of the men was punching a truck.

Troopers said Lemmerman was visiting his brother at the apartment complex, but it's still unclear if that is who he got into a verbal altercation with.

"There's been a fight out here in the parking lot. There a truck that stormed out of here and nailed two cars in the parking lot and took off," the woman said on the call to dispatchers.

Troopers said Lemmerman initially denied drinking, refused to get out of the his car, and would not allow a Breathalyzer test.

Lemmerman eventually got out of his car, but troopers said he almost fell over.

Investigators said Lemmerman admitted to drinking at least five beers.

Lemmerman was arrested on charges of DUI and hit-and-run, police said.

According to the Orlando Police Department, Lemmerman has been with the agency since 2012 and is assigned to midnight patrol.

Police said Lemmerman has been relieved of his law enforcement duties, credentials and firearm, pending an internal investigation.

News 6 has requested a copy of Lemmerman's personnel file.

Law enforcement also said there is no video of Lemmerman's arrest.


About the Author:

Troy graduated from California State University Northridge with a Bachelor's Degree in Communication. He has reported on Mexican drug cartel violence on the El Paso/ Juarez border, nuclear testing facilities at the Idaho National Laboratory and severe Winter weather in Michigan.