DUI report released in Miami police officer arrest

Report: Christopher Vital, 29, stated 'I know I'm screwing myself if I blow'

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – The Miami Beach Police Department has released the DUI test report for a Miami police officer who was arrested Sept. 4 after he was pulled over on the MacArthur Causeway.

According to the report, Christopher Vital, 29, refused to take a Breathalyzer test after he was pulled over for driving more than 100 mph.

Officers said that during questioning, he randomly stated, "I'm a DUI officer. I do all the checkpoints. I know I'm screwing myself if I blow."

Former state and federal prosecutor David Weinstein told Local 10 News that Vital's refusal to take a Breathalyzer could impact the case.

"It is the word of the officer against his own word," said Weinstein. "They don't have a breath test so they can't prove he was over the limit."

The report states that Vital only admitted to taking Tylenol that night and said he was sick with the stomach flu and pink eye.

The arresting officer also reported that Vital was slurring his speech, crying and using profanity. She also said his face was flushed and his eyes were bloodshot and watery.

Vital and a female passenger were arrested after officers found marijuana, heroin and cocaine in Vital's BMW. According to the report, Vital's handcuffs were not removed "due to the defendant's violent, erratic behavior."

Vital is charged with DUI, driving with a suspended license, possession of narcotics and criminal mischief.

"He knows the system," said Weinstein. "Whether or not you want to say, he knows how to game the system. You can make your own inference from that."

The Miami Police Department launched an internal investigation and suspended Vital without pay. His arraignment is scheduled for Friday.

Vital's attorneys released a statement to Local 10 News Tuesday saying, "After a more thorough investigation of the facts of the case, we are confident that Mr. Vital will be exonerated of these charges. We look forward to addressing these matters in court if the case gets that far."

Follow Christina Vazquez on Twitter @VazquezReports

Follow Local 10 News on Twitter @WPLGLocal10


About the Authors:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.