WESH
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A local doctor’s violent outburst, including spitting blood at a trooper, after being arrested for DUI, was all caught on a trooper’s dash cam.
According to the arrest affidavit, Dr. Zachary Charles Bird was worried that troopers were trying to steal his money — more than $50,000.
The money was found in Bird’s pockets when he was stopped early Sunday morning.
Troopers described Bird’s reaction to being placed in a patrol car as uncontrollable rage.
Bird is seen on video intentionally hurting himself and damaging a patrol car.
In his Orange County corrections booking photo, a large bandage is covering cuts on Bird’s forehead.
“He was placed under arrest for suspicion of DUI,” said Florida Highway Patrol Sgt. Kim Montes. "[He was] placed in the back of the trooper’s Dodge Charger, and that’s when everything went bad.”
Officials said Bird was speeding north on State Road 417 near Curry Ford Road when he almost struck the back of a Florida Highway Patrol cruiser.
“The patrol driver, an auxiliary captain, actually had to take evasive action so he wasn’t struck,” said Montes.
Bird failed a sobriety test and was placed inside of the patrol car, according to troopers. He then repeatedly smashed his head, at first, and then began screaming and kicking to at the door to get out.
When troopers removed him from the car, he spat blood into the face of the official.
“He has been charged with battery on a law enforcement officer for spitting in the trooper’s face,” said Montes.
In the arrest affidavit, officers also found prescription bottles containing various pills and a vial of clear liquid.
The report also said Bird is a physician at Parrish Medical Center in Titusville.
When troopers searched Bird’s car, they found two pistols and four magazines with a total of 50 rounds of ammunition.
A spokeswoman with Parrish Medical Center said they were unaware of Bird’s arrest until WESH 2 called them. His medical privileges at the hospital have been revoked, according to the woman.
Bird also worked for TeamHealth, and it said he has been suspended pending the outcome of the case.
Reprinted with permission from WESH