LAKELAND, Fla. — A Lakeland woman who was arrested after broadcasting her drunk drive home on Periscope won’t be going to jail after making a plea deal.
Last October, Whitney Beall, 23, spent a night bar hopping in downtown Lakeland. She used the app Periscope to live stream her night of partying.
“I’m driving home drunk, let’s see if I get a DUI,” Beall said on a video.
“Let’s have fun! Let’s have fun!” she screamed to the camera. Her Periscope followers watched as Beall got behind the wheel after admittedly drinking far too many. “I am drunk on South Florida Avenue because I’m a drunk person,” Beall said on Periscope.
Dozens of people around the world witnessed what could turn tragic any second.
“Fifty-seven people, oh I didn’t know I’d get this many people,” Beall said, noticing how many viewers were watching her drive. “I am super drunk in the USA and the light is red,” she said.
Two of Bealls’ Periscope viewers called 911 to report her. They also explained to dispatchers how the app could help police track her down. “Within minutes we found her driving, flat front tire, she hit the curb again and it was just obvious from that she was intoxicated,” Lakeland Police Department Sgt. Gary Gross said.
“She went through the tests, she failed and went to jail,” Gross said.
Last week, Beall made a plea deal in court. She pleaded no contest to a charge of driving under the influence and received the following sentence:
- 12 months probation Dui 1st time offense
- 10 days weekend work release
- 150 hours of community service
- Alcohol evaluation and treatment
- May not visit any bars
- Must attend MADD Impact Panel
- 10-day vehicle impound
- 6 months drivers license suspension
