WEST MIAMI-DADE, FL — A high-ranking Miami-Dade Corrections official was arrested after allegedly driving under the influence and causing a crash in Kendall on Sunday night, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).
Omar Fernandez, 50, the chief of Miami-Dade Corrections, was found asleep in the passenger seat of his county-issued vehicle after the crash at the intersection of Southwest 88th Street and Mills Drive. The collision involved an SUV carrying a woman and her teenage child.
According to the arrest report, Fernandez was “slurred, mumbled, and incoherent” when troopers found him. Upon waking, he reportedly reeked of alcohol, had bloodshot eyes, and admitted to officers, “You know, I’m going to be under the influence, I had a couple of drinks.”
He failed all elements of a field sobriety test and agreed to a breathalyzer, which revealed blood alcohol content levels of .236 and .231 — nearly three times the legal limit of .08.
Witnesses at the scene identified Fernandez as the driver of the vehicle.
He was arrested and charged with DUI with property damage and other related offenses. Fernandez has since posted bond and been released from jail.
7News reporters attempted to speak with Fernandez at his home on Tuesday, but a family member declined to comment.
In response to the arrest, the Miami-Dade Corrections & Rehabilitation Department issued a statement acknowledging the incident. However, no disciplinary action has been publicly announced at this time.
The crash remains under investigation by the FHP.
