On Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at approximately 9:51pm, Naples Police Officers responded to a residence in the 500 block of 16th Avenue South upon receiving a call for service from the resident. The reporter advised officers that he and his wife were followed from the intersection of 12th Avenue South and 3rd Street South to their residence by a female, unknown to them, driving a silver vehicle. Upon arriving at their residence, the unknown female stopped her vehicle on the grass in front of their home. After a brief verbal exchange with the unknown female parked in their front yard, the reporter contacted the Naples Police Department and advised dispatchers of the female’s actions and stated that she was claiming to be the mayor and appeared intoxicated.

Officers arrived on scene and observed the female leaning on her vehicle and promptly identified the female as Teresa Heitmann, Mayor of the City of Naples. During the call for service, Officers believed Mrs. Heitmann may have been intoxicated and observed her in physical control of her vehicle. At the request of investigating Officers, Mrs. Heitmann agreed to complete field sobriety exercises. Following the completion of the investigation, Officers found probable cause to arrest Mrs. Heitmann for driving under the influence of an intoxicating substance.

Mrs. Heitmann was transported to the Naples Jail Center and agreed to participate in a breath test to determine her blood alcohol content. Mrs. Heitmann completed two breath samples which resulted in a blood alcohol content of 0.155 and 0.169. The legal limit in Florida is 0.08.

It was erroneously reported by the media that there was a minor in the vehicle with Mrs. Heitmann, which is untrue. Mrs. Heitmann was the sole occupant of the vehicle. Mrs. Heitmann was charged under Florida State Statute 316.193(4), Driving Under the Influence with Blood Alcohol 0.15 or higher.

(Reference NPD CASE #24-0006164)