Fla. ice cream truck driver charged with DUI

NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. – Police say a Tampa Bay-area ice cream man was driving his truck while drunk when he almost hit a child.

The Pasco County Sheriff's Office reports that 49-year-old Ronald Clifford Purdy was pulled over Monday afternoon after someone called 911 to report his driving.

Deputies say Purdy staggered out of the ice cream truck in New Port Richey and gave his birthday when he was asked for his address. The deputies also reported finding two open bottles of whiskey.

A report lists Purdy's blood alcohol content at 0.227 percent, nearly three times the legal limit for drivers.

Purdy has been charged with DUI and was released on his own recognizance.

A telephone message left at a listing for Purdy was not immediately returned.

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Information from: St. Petersburg Times, http://tampabay.com