A former sheriff's deputy fled police with an unrestrained child, allegedly impaired, leading to his arrest.

Robert Gray, a 49-year-old retired Polk County Sheriff's Office deputy and former chief pilot, was arrested Sunday after allegedly fleeing police with an unrestrained child in his vehicle. The incident began at a McDonald’s drive-thru where employees reported Gray appeared impaired, made unusual comments, and had multiple empty beer cans in his black Chevy Tahoe. Witnesses said the child was not secured in a safety seat. When a deputy arrived, Gray allegedly sped away, ignoring traffic signals, before abandoning the vehicle at a nearby business. Authorities found him at his home, where he initially resisted but later surrendered without incident. He faces charges including fleeing to elude, negligent child abuse, and reckless driving.