Tampa fire captain arrested for allegedly driving under the influence

TEMPLE TERRACE, Fla. - A Tampa Fire Rescue captain was arrested early Wednesday morning and charged with driving under the influence.

A Temple Terrace police officer stopped Charles Eliason, 40, at 1:55 a.m. He was driving 72 miles per hour in a 50-mile-per-hour zone and weaving in and out of lanes on Fowler Avenue, authorities said.

Eliason is scheduled to be on personal leave. He has been with the department for about 15 years. Tampa Fire Rescue Captain Bill Wade said he has been a good employee.

"The department is shocked and disappointed at what happened overnight and will work with Capt. Eliason to get him back to where he belongs, he made a decision and has a price to pay for that," Wade said.

Eliason refused to take a breath test. He posted a $500 bond and was released from jail.