Attack and threats to the officers at a sobriety checkpoint: 'You're gay, I'd kill you'

A driver was involved in a violent incident in La Plata by launching threats and homophobic insults at a traffic officer after testing positive in a breathalyzer test. The test showed 1.35 grams of alcohol per liter of blood, so his driver's license was confiscated.

The incident occurred meters from the Buenos Aires Governor's Office and was recorded on video, which quickly went viral on social media.

Insults, threats, and resistance

It all started when the driver tried to avoid the procedure and said:  "Don't break my ass because I don't have money. I'm retired. Leave the car there, I'm going home." Faced with this refusal, the officer warned him that if he didn't take the test, it would be considered positive.

He finally agreed to blow into the breathalyzer, although he did so reluctantly and with increasing hostility. During the test, he began verbally assaulting the officer with hate-filled phrases.  "I don't like your attitude, first, because you're gay," he said, before directly threatening:  "I'd kill you."

While the officers tried to explain how to use the breathalyzer, the man persisted with discriminatory comments.  "I wouldn't hire you if I were the mayor because you're gay. You're going to starve. Let me clarify that I'm Roman Catholic," he stated.

Positive alcohol and sanctions in effect

At the end of the control, the result confirmed that the driver was circulating with 1.35 grams of alcohol per liter of blood. Immediately,  his driver's license was confiscated, as established by the current legislation in the Province of Buenos Aires.

Since January 1, 2023, the Zero Alcohol Law (15.402) has been in effect, prohibiting driving with any level of alcohol in the blood. This regulation includes sanctions such as license confiscation, fines, disqualifications of up to 18 months,periods of arrest, and mandatory attendance at special courses.

The case caused outrage on social media due to the driver's level of verbal violence and reignited the debate on the need for exemplary sanctions in the face of hate episodes and irresponsible driving.