Webb County Deputy Arrested for DWI After Falling Asleep in McDonald's Drive-Thru

Off-Duty Officer's Early Morning Incident

A Webb County Sheriff's Office deputy found himself on the wrong side of the law after falling asleep behind the wheel in a McDonald's drive-thru lane in the early hours of July 18, 2025. Roberto Ramirez Jr., 49, was arrested for driving while intoxicated after he fell asleep at the drive-thru of the McDonald's on Jacaman Road, with police responding at about 3:10 a.m. to a report of a person asleep in his 2024 Chevrolet Silverado .

Ramirez was off duty at the time of the incident . Authorities told the outlet that officers responded at around 3:10 a.m. to a report of a man asleep in the drive-thru. After arriving on the scene, Ramirez, who was off-duty at the time, was identified as the man behind the wheel .

Legal Consequences and Department Response

Roberto Ramirez Jr., 49, was arrested on the charge of driving while intoxicated, a Class A misdemeanor that carries a punishment of one year in jail or a $4,000 fine or both . The officers noticed Ramirez showing signs of intoxication and he was placed under arrest, then taken to the Webb County Jail. He was later released after posting bond .

At around 12:20 p.m., the Webb County Sheriff's Office, led by Sheriff Martin Cuellar, released a statement about Ramirez's arrest . Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar issued a statement to LMTonline, writing that he understands the serious nature of the situation, adding that the sheriff's office will carry out appropriate measures.

Growing Pattern of Drive-Thru DWI Cases

This incident represents part of a troubling pattern across Texas and the nation. Similar cases have occurred with increasing frequency, including former NFL running back Darren McFadden was arrested on a DWI charge after falling asleep at the wheel while in a Whataburger drive-thru in Texas and a 20-year-old man was charged with a DWI for allegedly falling asleep at a drive-thru while drunk .

Legal experts note that you don't need to be driving your car to be charged with drunk driving. However, a drunk driver can even be charged with a DWI if the car is parked and the engine is not running . The key factor often involves whether the vehicle's engine is running and the driver has physical control of the vehicle.

Implications for Law Enforcement Accountability

The arrest of an off-duty law enforcement officer highlights the complex dynamics of police accountability and public trust. When those sworn to uphold the law face charges themselves, it raises questions about professional standards and the equal application of justice. The Webb County Sheriff's Office's prompt acknowledgment and statement suggest an understanding of these broader implications.

As drive-thru DWI incidents continue to surface across the country, they serve as stark reminders that impaired driving endangers everyone, regardless of profession or status. The case will likely proceed through the standard legal process, with Ramirez facing the same consequences as any other citizen charged with similar offenses.