WPB fire captain arrested for DUI

NORTH PALM BEACH, FL--A West Palm Beach fire captain was taken into custody early Monday morning on charges of DUI after police say he was driving 85 miles per hour in a 35 mile zone.

According to a police report released by North Palm Beach Police, Rick Curtis was traveling northbound on US1 around 1:28 a.m. Monday when an officer in a marked patrol car spotted his red Dodge SUV at a high rate of speed.

According to the release, Curtis's vehicle approached two other vehicles operating at the 35 MPH speed limit. Police say Curtis swerved to avoid hitting the two vehicles and nearly missed a raised concrete median.

A North Palm Beach Police officer then pulled Curtis over and noticed a "very strong, overpowering odor" of an alcoholic beverage. According to the report, before the officer was able to advise Curtis on the reason for the stop, Curtis produced his fire rescue identification and asked "Why are you pulling me over?" The officer then asked Curtis to exit the vehicle to perform a field sobriety check. Police say Curtis refused and demanded to see the sergeant.

According to the report, the police officer then opened the driver's side door and noted that as Curtis exited the vehicle, he nearly fell to the ground.

According to the police report, Curtis admitted to drinking since 7 p.m. but said that he only had between three and four beers. The arresting officer stated in his report that Curtis grew increasingly belligerent, saying that "all North Palm cops are racists," and "I know a lot of cops, and you better watch yourself."

Curtis was placed under arrest and taken to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Breath Alcohol Testing Center.

A spokesman for the city of West Palm Beach said that Curtis has reported the incident to the chief.