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 resulted in damage to a hot water heater sending gas in the air.

The Ocala man was arrested on a charge of DUI with property damage, according to an Ocala Police Department report.

An OPD Officer arrived at the scene of the crash at 4402 NE 11th St. at 7:15 p.m. Wednesday. 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 backyard of the home at 4402 NE 11th St. and into a shed. The marks continued to the southwest corner of the home.

A silver Toyota hatchback was located against a laundry room separated from the residence. The officer smelled gas and called for Ocala Fire Rescue. The man accused of causing the accident was found lying on the ground.

The man is accused of driving the 2004 Toyota north on Northeast 44th Avenue when he reached the dead end, crashed through the fence and struck 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 pilot light was damaged and gas was released.

The accused apparently refused to provide a breath sample. He was taken to Ocala Regional Medical Center. Once cleared, he was 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 contact us online.