NAPLES, FL March 26, 2020 – According to an online news report provided by NaplesNews.com, an Orlando man was arrested by the Florida Highway Patrol, and the man is facing a charge of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and numerous additional criminal charges. The man led Florida Highway Patrol officers on an auto chase as he attempted to elude law enforcement. The Florida Highway Patrol pursued the man through the construction zone area in Golden Gates Estates. The chase began at approximately 3:00 P.M. last Sunday afternoon. The construction zone is located at Everglades Boulevard and Golden Gate Boulevard. The construction zone was active with workers present at the time of the police chase, putting workers at risk of severe injury or death.
The suspect was apprehended, and the suspect has been charged with DUI, fleeing with disregard of safety to persons or property, two counts of leaving the scene of a crash involving damage to property, and two counts of DUI damage to property or persons of another. There may be additional charges filed against the suspect.
The chase began when Florida Highway Patrol troopers, who were at the construction zone, heard the sound of tires screeching and then witnessed a white Kia sport utility vehicle speed on Golden Gate Boulevard. The speed of the SUV inside the closed construction zone caused law enforcement to take action and pursue the suspect.
According to the arrest report, law enforcement saw the suspect´s car ramp off a concrete curb and was airborne. Upon striking the ground, the suspect´s vehicle sustained severe damage and landed near one or more construction workers. The suspect then left the accident scene by turning southbound on Everglades Boulevard, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The Florida Highway Patrol troopers began to pursue the suspect´s SUV and also attempted to overtake the suspect as he attempted a U-turn. As the suspect fled the scene, it was noted that he drove in a reckless manner by weaving, swerving, and driving outside of the legally designated lane. The alleged drunk driver steered around to the Florida Highway Patrol trooper according to the arrest report. The suspect lost control of his SUV as he attempted a right turn on to Golden Gate Boulevard and crashed into some construction barrels and he drove his SUV on the wrong side of the road toward oncoming traffic, according to the Florida Highway Patrol report.
Florida Highway Patrol troopers released a K9 to capture the suspect, and he was successfully apprehended by troopers and arrested. The suspect was then transported to the Naples Jail Center.
Florida Statute Section 316.193(3)(c)1 - DUI with Property Damage or Non-serious Personal Injury
According to Florida DUI Laws, it is a first-degree misdemeanor if a drunk driver has caused property damage or non-serious personal injury to another person. Under Florida Statute Section 316.193(3)(c)1, the crime of DUI with property damage or non-serious personal injury to another person is punishable with up to $1,000 in fines and up to (12) twelve months in jail.