Ocala Man Arrested for DUI After Crashing Into Fence, Home and Two Sheds

January 22, 2015

On Wednesday police arrested a 26-year-old man accused of driving a vehicle through a fence, a shed, the side of a home and another shed. The accident caused damage to a hot water heater, releasing gas into the air.

The Ocala Police Department arrested a man for DUI after he caused property damage.

On Wednesday, an OPD Officer arrived at the crash scene at 4402 NE 11th St. at 7:15 p.m. Reports indicate he found a broken chain-link fence on Northeast 44th Avenue, where it dead-ends at Northeast 10th Place. Tire marks went through the home’s backyard at 4402 NE 11th St. and into a shed. The marks continued to the southwest corner of the home.

Someone parked a silver Toyota hatchback next to the laundry room, away from the residence. The officer detected the smell of gas and called for Ocala Fire Rescue. Authorities found the man accused of causing the accident lying on the ground.

The man drove a 2004 Toyota north on Northeast 44th Avenue. Upon reaching a dead end, he crashed through the fence and collided with the first shed in the yard. The report also states that the vehicle then struck the house, spun around, and hit the second shed, where a part of the vehicle damaged the hot water heater. The damage to the pilot light caused gas to leak.

The accused apparently refused to provide a breath sample. He was taken to Ocala Regional Medical Center and cleared, then transported to the jail.

The home was deemed uninhabitable, according to OPD.

If you are involved in an auto accident while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you could be subject to criminal penalties and restrictions on your freedom. Destroying property due to drunk or drugged driving can lead to serious charges of DUI with property damage, and you can bet that Florida police and prosecutors will work to make sure you face the most severe consequences for your alleged crime.

Anyone who operates a motor vehicle while under the influence faces potential criminal penalties, and an accident that results in property damage further complicates the case. A Florida DUI Defense Lawyer at Whittel & Melton can help you work through the details of your case and determine your best course of action. For a free consultation, call us today at 352-369-5334 or online.