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UPDATE: We’ve now learned that he’s employed by Melbourne Airport Police and was actually in his government vehicle
Palm Bay, FL – May 13, 2025 — A retired Indian River County Sheriff’s Office captain is under arrest after crashing into another vehicle in Palm Bay and fleeing the scene — an incident that has not only sparked public outrage but has gone viral across social media platforms.
Patrick White, 46, who served 26 years in law enforcement before retiring in February 2023 as a captain, was arrested Monday afternoon after police say he rear-ended a woman at the intersection of Malabar Road NE and Babcock Street NE and drove away. The crash — and White’s alleged attempt to flee — was caught on video by witnesses and the victim, quickly spreading online.
The Palm Bay Police Department responded to the call around 2:37 p.m. after the female driver reported being struck by a 2017 Ford Explorer, which then fled. Witnesses told officers that the driver appeared intoxicated and was swerving before the collision. One even recorded White behind the wheel, allegedly ignoring pleas to stop — footage that clearly shows both his face and the vehicle’s license plate.
Thanks to assistance from the department’s intelligence unit, officers were able to locate the vehicle about two hours later in a parking lot on Babcock Street. Sgt. Ed Bermudez spotted White re-enter the vehicle and drive off. Officers initiated a traffic stop and had White exit the vehicle due to safety concerns.
According to the police report, White stumbled as he got out of the SUV, appeared disoriented, and had urinated on himself. Officers noted that he had difficulty following basic instructions and emitted a strong odor of alcohol. Body camera footage corroborated that he was wearing the same clothing seen in the viral video.
Post-Miranda, White admitted he had been drinking and had been involved in a crash. He told officers, “I was drunk,” and declined to complete field sobriety tests. A breathalyzer later recorded his blood alcohol levels at .304 and .305 — nearly four times the legal limit.
The Ford Explorer he was driving was a former police interceptor model.
White was taken into custody and charged with DUI and leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage. He was released on $500 bond.
White’s decades-long law enforcement career ended just last year amid speculation. His retirement came during a wave of upper-tier resignations at the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office. According to reports at the time, his farewell party included remarks critical of Sheriff Eric Flowers — with some attendees suggesting White might run against him. His exit came just before a department-wide leadership shakeup.
As of Tuesday, the viral footage of White fleeing the crash scene had been viewed thousands of times online, with many community members expressing outrage over his actions — especially given his prior role as a high-ranking law enforcement officer.
The investigation remains ongoing.
