The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
20-year-old Kaleb Kleiss, who recently moved to Clearwater, Florida, reportedly drives a Volkswagen with an Alabama license plate.
Around 6:00 pm on December 12, Kleiss was reportedly out driving around town in his vehicle when he “was involved in a traffic altercation,” according to the affidavit.
According to a witness that notified the Clearwater Police Department, Kleiss had an AR-15 in his car, and it was allegedly aimed out of the driver’s side window. The man said he felt scared for his safety.
After the incident, Kleiss reportedly parked in a lot next to a laundromat, and he exited his car while it was still running.
When the Clearwater police saw his car, they reported that Kleiss was standing next to it with a key in his hand.
When the officers reportedly peered into Kleiss’ vehicle, they reported that he had an AR-15 sitting out in the open on the dashboard. They also asserted that the magazine was fully loaded and that there was a “round in the chamber.”
The officers said that Kleiss told them since his move to Florida, he believed he needed to carry the firearm for his safety.
While he was being detained, the police believed that Kleiss, who was noted as being under the legal age for drinking alcohol, seemed as if he was inebriated.
Kleiss reportedly failed to perform up to par on the roadside sobriety tests. His blood-alcohol content was recorded at .143 and .129 when he was given breathalyzer testing.
Kleiss was taken into custody and booked into the Pinellas County Jail. He is expected to face charges for suspicion of DUI, improper exhibition of a dangerous weapon, and using a firearm while under the influence, and he was released on a $900 bond.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.