Although Periscope was not available to law enforcement through the department, an officer used his personal account to view images and tracked Whitney Marie Beall’s location in a north neighborhood, through city landmarks.
Many text messages were sent to Beall pleading for her to stop, and some were from people who knew her.
She was arrested Saturday after failing a field sobriety test and refusing to submit to a breathalyzer test.
Lakeland Police Department officers said they received many 911 calls about a drunk woman live-streaming video on Periscope.
Beall shared her experience with viewers in a clip titled, “Driving home drunk.”
She also provided commentary: Let’s see if I get a DUI. In the USA, people! Let’s see if I get a DUI. I don’t think I will. I really don’t, because I live on back roads.”
The video highlights Beall driving in circles, while shouting, “I’m f***king drunk … this is horrible.”
At one point, viewers pleaded with Beall to stop after she said she had no idea where she was going.
Beall was found driving a 2015 Toyota Corolla with a flat left front tire.
She was alone in the car and had struck a curb, which caused an abrupt stop.
After being pulled over, officers noted she smelled of alcohol and appeared confused. This led to an arrest and booking at the Polk County jail, and later, a release on bail.
One police officer said Beall’s video showed the “dangers of driving while intoxicated through the eyes of a drunk and irresponsible young adult.”
