An Orlando man was detained when deputies discovered him driving a semi without a commercial driver’s license.
Deputies responded to a 7-Eleven at 2395 CR 470 in Lake Panasoffkee to assist the Orange County Sheriff’s Office at 11 p.m. Thursday, according to an arrest report from the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. A report from another agency described a red semi-truck without a trailer, so they arrived at the gas station to find a white 2006 Volvo semi-truck next to it at the pumps. Harold Blanco, 30, was later identified as the driver of the white semi-truck.
When the drivers observed the officers, both trucks abruptly exited the parking area, appearing to dodge law enforcement. One of the cops stopped Blanco and observed that his semi had no visible tag. They then researched his driving history and discovered that he did not have a valid business driver’s license. He held a Florida class E license with a CDL learners permit that expired on May 13, 2022, according to the report.
No enforcement action was taken until approximately 1:15 a.m. Friday, when another officer observed the same semi-truck without a tag attempting to depart 7-Eleven. According to the report, the vehicle’s registration was active but expired on December 31, 2021.
As a result, the deputy halted the semi on US 301 near County Road 470. A Ford pickup truck going with the semi also stopped, revealing Blanco as the driver. Despite being advised that the semi could not travel on the road, he brought someone to drive it, according to the report.
He was subsequently arrested. Additionally, he was on supervised probation through Orlando Central from March 13, 2026, until March 12, 2028. According to the report, one of the conditions of his probation was that he not commit any new crimes.
Blanco was charged with driving a CMV in Florida without a Florida-issued CDL and violating probation. The California resident was held in the Sumter County Detention Center without bond.
