MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas -- Deputies said a Montgomery County doctor arrested for drugs after a high speed chase had been arrested for illegal substances before.
Dr. Felix Sabates Jr.'s white Challenger was clocked at over 100 miles per hour before he was pulled over after a high-speed chase with deputies.
Authorities said Sabates failed his field sobriety test while dozens of pills were found in his car. Initial tests by police suggest many of the unmarked pills tested positive for cocaine. Also in the vehicle were syringes and over $1,000 in cash.
Sabates was charged with drug possession and DWI.
His office at the River Oaks Spinal Care in Baytown was closed when 11 News went to find the doctor, but a massage therapist who works across the hall said she wasn't surprised by the charges.
"[He is] very erratic, very jittery. When he talks seems anxious, little high strung. A couple of times he smelled of alcohol when I've seen him in the hallway," said Carey Gage.
According to Sabates' record with the Texas Medical Board, he has had drug abuse problems in the past, dating back to 1993 when he was evaluated for alcohol and cocaine abuse.
That abuse led to Sabates' license being suspended in 1994. His license was reinstated in 1997 after 4.5 years of sobriety.
Dr. Sabates is currently allowed to continue treating patients. In general terms, a doctor charged with a crime can continue practicing medicine.
The Texas Medical Board said it must conduct an investigation and determine a doctor is a threat to the public before a license can be temporarily suspended.
