Kurt Abbott: Martin County Sheriff's deputy, former Florida Marlin, charged with DUI

Martin County Sheriff's Deputy Kurt Abbott, a former Major League Baseball player, has been placed on administrative leave after an arrest for driving under the influence on Saturday.

A Stuart police officer noticed a car ahead of him at Martin Downs Boulevard and Waterfall Boulevard was drifting in its lane and saw the vehicle drift onto the right shoulder several times, nearly striking trees that line the roadway. The truck was also traveling at more than 60 mph in a 45 mph zone.

After pulling the truck over, the officer could smell a strong odor of alcohol coming from the driver, and observed that his eyes were bloodshot and his speech was slurred.

A Martin County Sheriff's Deputy who joined the scene then approached the driver, who refused to perform roadside sobriety tasks. The driver, Abbott, 42, was then taken into custody.

According to the arrest affidavit, when they arrived at the jail, Abbott was aggressive and cursed at the booking staff. He then refused a breathalyzer test.

Abbott was released the same day after posting a $500 bond. As is normal when a law enforcement officer is arrested, a booking photograph is not available.

Abbott played shortstop with several major league teams, including the Florida Marlins from 1994 to 1997. He was part of the 1997 Marlins team that won the World Series in 1997 and appeared in the World Series with the Mets in 2000. He retired from baseball after the 2001 season with the Braves.

Abbott has been employed with the sheriff's office since 2006.