January 27, 2026

Fairhope Man Arrested in Florida For DUI-Assaulting Law Enforcement

By Rick McCann
Blue RAM Media/Gulf Coast News

January 27, 2026

WALTON COUNTY, Fla.

A Fairhope Alabama led Florida law enforcement on a pursuit after they attempted to conduct a traffic stop Sunday morning according to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office.

According to Walton County Florida Sheriff’s Office, the driver has been arrested for his third DUI in 10 years, after a brief pursuit in Walton County early Sunday morning:

The driver, identified as Bradford Maples, 44, of Fairhope, Alabama, refused to stop, leading to a brief pursuit ending at Palms North Condominiums on 30A.

That’s when deputies said that Maples ran from the vehicle and struck a deputy with a closed fist while he tried to take him into custody. A Taser was used but had limited effect on Maples.
Multiple deputies had to physically restrain Maples during the arrest.

According to documents, a Walton County Sheriff’s Office deputy saw a car driving recklessly on Highway 98 near N County Highway 393 and tried to stop the vehicle after noticing signs the driver may be driving under the influence and that’s when the chase began.

Maples was transported to the jail, where he refused a breath test. A records check showed this was Maples’ third DUI arrest in the past 10 years.
He has been charged with DUI, Refusing to Submit to a DUI Test, Resisting Arrest With Violence, Fleeing and eluding Law Enforcement, Reckless Driving and Battery on Law Enforcement.

The deputy was evaluated by EMS and did not suffer serious injuries.