Hollywood city attorney thinks he fell asleep before driving car onto sidewalk

Jeff Sheffel released from jail on bond, leaves in taxi

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Hollywood city attorney Jeff Sheffel was released from jail on bond Monday, one day after his arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence.

Sheffel, 57, told Local 10 News that he thinks he fell asleep after a long flight back to South Florida when he drove his car onto the sidewalk of the Hollywood Boulevard bridge.

"I think I fell asleep and had the accident," Sheffel said.

Sheffel said he had just gotten into town after a red-eye flight from Colorado.

"I am diabetic, and I had not had my diabetes medication in some time," Sheffel said.

The car got wedged between the barriers on either side.

Sheffel, who was hired in 2008, said he was on his way to the beach at the time. He then stopped answering questions and got into a taxi cab.

According to a Broward Sheriff's Office report, Sheffel was "dazed and confused," smelled of alcohol and had difficulty understanding instructions.

File: Jeff Sheffel arrest report

Deputy Sean Williams wrote in the report that Sheffel told him, "I know I had too much to drink" and "I had too many beers."

City spokeswoman Raelin Storey said Sheffel recently received a 4 percent pay increase during his annual review last month. His annual salary is $210,080.

"All that remains to be seen," Sheffel said when asked if he believed his job was in jeopardy.


About the Authors:

Peter Burke returned for a second stint of duty at Local 10 News in February 2014.

Layron Livingston made the move from Ohio's Miami Valley to Miami, Florida, to join the Local 10 News team.