This footage was filmed and produced 23 January 2024.

A harrowing incident involving a drunk driver culminated in chaotic scenes captured on newly released body cam footage from the Florida City Police Department. The incident occurred on Jan. 23, 2024, as officers were conducting investigations into a robbery.

According to reports, the driver, identified as 19-year-old Giovanni Mendez-Simon, careened into a patrol car, striking one officer and narrowly missing another. The intense moments that followed were documented by the officer's body cam, revealing a distressing sequence of events.

In the aftermath of the collision, the officer urgently called for assistance over his radio before proceeding to extract Mendez-Simon from the vehicle. The footage showcases a visibly emotional Mendez-Simon breaking down in tears as officers moved to detain him.

During the arrest, Mendez-Simon was reported to have expressed that he was "pasando un mal momento," translated to going through "a bad moment." In a tense exchange captured on camera, the officer confronted Mendez-Simon about his lack of a driver's license, to which the 19-year-old driver admitted.

Additionally, reports indicated that the vehicle was littered with beer cans, indicating possible alcohol consumption prior to the incident. In subsequent interviews with WPLG, Mendez-Simon reportedly acknowledged it was only his second time drinking and admitted to struggling to handle alcohol. He expressed remorse and relief that the officer he struck did not sustain severe injuries.