Margate man with prior DUI arrested after allegedly driving intoxicated through Coral Springs and attempting to bribe police officer
Coral Springs, Florida – A 53-year-old Margate man is facing multiple charges after police say he drove through Coral Springs while intoxicated and later attempted to bribe the arresting officer. The man, identified as Michael Guerrero, was pulled over earlier this month after a patrol officer noticed his truck swerving erratically along Wiles Road.
According to the arrest report, the officer observed a silver Toyota Tacoma drifting between lanes and striking curbs near the 6600 block of Wiles Road around 6:45 p.m. on October 15. Concerned that the driver might be impaired, the officer initiated a traffic stop.
When Guerrero was approached, police said his eyes appeared bloodshot, his speech was slurred, and a strong odor of alcohol was coming from inside the vehicle. The report also noted that Guerrero had trouble maintaining his balance and appeared disoriented as he spoke with the officer.
Inside the truck, police discovered two unopened cans of Foster’s beer, both still cold. Despite the visible signs of impairment, Guerrero reportedly denied drinking and told officers he was on his way home from work. However, when he stepped out of the vehicle, he stumbled and struggled to remain steady, according to the report.
Before the stop, police dispatchers had received a separate call about a man found passed out behind the wheel of a similar truck near Creekside Drive and State Road 7. By the time officers arrived, that vehicle had already left the scene. Investigators later determined it was the same truck driven by Guerrero.
During the stop, Guerrero agreed to start field sobriety exercises but was unable to finish them, police said. He also refused to take a breathalyzer test when asked. At that point, the officer placed him under arrest for driving under the influence.
The report describes that while Guerrero was being transported to the police station, he repeatedly asked the officer to remove his handcuffs and allegedly tried to negotiate his way out of the situation. “Take me out of these cuffs,” Guerrero said, according to the report. He then added, “Let’s work this out.” Police considered those comments an attempt to bribe or influence an officer, an action that could bring additional penalties.
A background check later revealed that Guerrero had a previous DUI conviction in Broward County dating back to 1991, making this his second offense. In Florida, a second DUI conviction can carry steeper fines, longer license suspensions, and potential jail time, depending on the circumstances.
Guerrero was charged with DUI (second offense), failure to drive in a single lane, and possession of an open container of alcohol while driving. He was booked into the Broward County Jail and later released after posting bond, according to court records.
Coral Springs police officials say this case highlights the ongoing problem of impaired driving and the serious risks it poses to public safety. They also noted that attempts to bribe or manipulate law enforcement officers are taken very seriously and can result in additional criminal charges.
The investigation remains open, and Guerrero is expected to face his first court appearance in the coming weeks. Police have not indicated whether further charges will be filed in connection with the reported bribe attempt.
As Coral Springs continues to grow and attract new residents and businesses, police urge all drivers to make responsible choices behind the wheel. “Drinking and driving is never worth the risk,” one officer said. “It endangers lives and can change yours in an instant.”
