FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A man suspected of drunken driving and crashing a stolen Jeep into a television news vehicle in Hollywood appeared before a Broward County judge Tuesday.
Travis Miller, 37, was arrested Monday after Hollywood police said he stole a 2015 Jeep Compass from a CVS Pharmacy parking lot, ran a red light and slammed into a television news station van with a reporter and photographer inside.
"Is there any way for, like, a pretrial release with a band on so I can maintain my job and you all can watch me?" Miller asked Judge Michael Davis during his bond hearing. "I have a drinking problem."
Miller's lawyer interrupted him and advised him not to say anything else. Witnesses said Miller walked to a nearby convenience store after the crash and removed his bloody shirt before heading inside to buy a new shirt and another alcoholic beverage.
People waiting outside the store noticed that he was attempting to leave the scene, followed him and were able to detain Miller until police arrived.
While sitting on the pavement, Miller opened his alcoholic beverage and continued to drink.
It was revealed in court that Miller had been arrested nine days earlier on another grand theft charge and was out on bond during Monday's incident.
Davis revoked Miller's bond on the previous grand theft arrest and set bond on the latest charges at $2,000.
The judge ordered that Miller undergo the jail's substance abuse program. He also said "when and if" Miller is released on bond he be monitored for his alcohol consumption.