Doctor on Hurlburt arrested for DUI, resisting officer in Tiger Point
According to Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began on Highway 98 near New Hope Road, where a deputy spotted a BMW SUV traveling westbound at a high rate of speed.
The verified speed of the vehicle was 73 mph in a 55-mph zone.
“I then had to speed up in order to catch up to the vehicle,” the deputy wrote.
When the deputy caught up to the SUV, they were near Soundside Drive and the driver was going about 63 mph in a 45-mph zone. The vehicle continued at that speed into a construction area, where the speed limit drops to 40 mph.
The deputy observed the SUV entering the left turn lane at Tiger Point Lane and followed it. The deputy then turned on their emergency lights to make a traffic stop. The SUV stopped near Tiger Point Park. The driver was later identified as Bongiovi.
According to the deputy, he was surprised to find the car window barely cracked upon approach. The deputy identified themself and the reason for the stop.
The driver refused to provide the requested documents including the vehicle registration and her driver’s license. The driver asked for the deputy’s supervisor, who later arrived on scene.
The driver allegedly continued to argue and not comply with lawful commands. She was instructed to step outside the vehicle but again refused.
“After several attempts to gain Michelle’s voluntary compliance had failed, Michelle was advised that if she did not exit the vehicle that she would be forcefully removed from the vehicle and placed under arrest,” the deputy wrote.
The deputy used an expandable baton to make entry through the driver’s side window and unlock the vehicle. The driver was then removed and placed under arrest.
According to the deputy, Bongiovi was arrested after failing field sobriety tasks. Law enforcement officers believed she was intoxicated due to Bongiovi’s “bizarre statements, water eyes (and) dilated pupils.”
Bongiovi was booked into Santa Rosa County Jail Feb. 25 and released the next day. She was initially on hold for “military.”
According to Vitals, a website which allows people to search for doctors and dentists in their area, Bongiovi is a dental health care provider with 32 years of experience. She is primarily located on Hurlburt Field and serves with 1st Special Operations Medical Group.
Navarre Press reached out to 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs, who informed us that Bongiovi is an Active Duty Lt. Col. in the Air Force.
“We do not speculate on the possible outcomes of any investigations or trials,” 1SOW Public Affairs said. “However, the Air Force has a strict zero-tolerance policy for illegal activity conducted by its members on or off base. We are confident in local law enforcement’s ability to conduct not only a thorough and fair investigation, but that proper justice will be met in the final verdict. Any future Air Force disciplinary or administrative action is dependent on the outcome of the ongoing investigation.”