Newly-Hired Melbourne Airport Officer Fired After DUI Crash in Police SUV
By Space Coast Daily // May 15, 2025
Former Indian River County Deputy Patrick White faces charge of DUI with property damage
BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA — An officer with the Melbourne Orlando International Airport Police Department was fired this week after being arrested for driving under the influence and fleeing the scene of a crash while off duty in a department-issued police SUV.
Airport officials confirmed on May 14 that Patrick White, a recent hire and retired deputy from the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, was terminated following the incident. White had only been with the airport police force for three weeks and was still in his probationary period.
According to Palm Bay police, the incident occurred late on May 13 when White, operating a marked Ford Interceptor SUV, allegedly rear-ended another vehicle. Witnesses told authorities that the SUV fled the scene, but not before a 911 caller provided the vehicle’s tag number.
Police later located the SUV parked near Babcock Street, where officers initiated a traffic stop. Reports state that White stumbled out of the vehicle, appearing visibly impaired.
He was arrested and charged with driving under the influence with property damage, leaving the scene of a crash, and DUI.
White was issued a citation and booked into the Brevard County Jail. He was released on bond prior to his initial court appearance, according to court records.
