A Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue lieutenant and his wife were arrested last weekend after allegedly fleeing the scene of a crash outside a restaurant while under the influence of alcohol, according to authorities.
Lt. Joshua Cornblit, 45, and his wife, 41-year-old Meilin Cornblit, had reportedly been drinking at a restaurant in the 1300 block of Weston Road on Sunday when the incident occurred. Investigators say Joshua backed their GMC out of a parking spot and struck an occupied Lincoln sedan.
Instead of stopping, deputies say the couple drove off. A short time later, Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies tracked down the vehicle near Weston Road and Blatt Boulevard. Meilin was found behind the wheel, while Joshua was seen stumbling along the sidewalk nearby, according to the arrest report.
Deputies noted Joshua had bloodshot eyes, smelled strongly of alcohol, and admitted to having “a couple drinks.” Witnesses at the scene, however, told deputies it was Joshua who had initially been behind the wheel when the crash happened.
Neither injuries nor major damage were immediately reported.
Joshua Cornblit was charged with DUI, DUI involving property damage, and leaving the scene of a crash. He waived his bond court appearance on Sunday. Records show he has two prior misdemeanor offenses.
Meilin Cornblit was also arrested and is facing charges of DUI and possession of a controlled substance.
The Broward Sheriff’s Office has not yet commented on whether internal disciplinary action will be taken against Lt. Cornblit.
