A Fruitland Park woman was arrested for driving under the influence after leaving Dirty South Saloon and allegedly causing an accident that sent the other driver to UF Health Leesburg Hospital.
Officers arrived at the intersection of U.S. Hwy. 27 and Griffin Road regarding a two-vehicle crash with airbag deployment around 2 a.m. Sunday, according to an arrest report from the Leesburg Police Department. All parties, including 22-year-old LFW, were told to step out of their vehicles.
An officer watched W get out of the driver’s seat of a gray 2019 Audi, which was registered to her, while a man exited the front passenger seat. During this, the officer noticed W was unsteady and swayed as she walked to the sidewalk. He approached her and smelled a strong odor of alcohol on her breath, the report said.
Another officer spoke with the passenger who advised that they were at the Dirty South Saloon, located at 1850 U.S. Hwy. 441. He had been drinking but did not say anything about W other than the fact she was driving him home, the report said.
W was then checked out by EMS, where she asked to be taken to UF Health Leesburg Hospital, located at 600 E Dixie Ave., by ambulance as a precaution. The report noted that the officers did not observe any apparent injuries to her prior to her being taken. The other involved driver was taken, as well.
An officer relocated to UF Health and met with W who was issued a citation for failing to yield to oncoming traffic. A doctor spoke to her, as she no longer wished to be seen by medical personnel, and she signed a form for her release. The officer then informed her he would be conducting a DUI investigation, the report said.
The officer proceeded to read W her rights, and she agreed to talk. She displayed watery and glassy eyes as they did so. Her speech was also slurred, mumbled and stuttered. She sweated profusely and was unsteady while standing, as well, the report said.
The officer tried to ask W questions but was unable to do so due to her becoming aggressive and evading questioning. He instead asked her to participate in field sobriety exercises, to which she agreed. Her performance, which included losing her balance and not following instructions, led the officer to conclude she was under the influence, the report said.
A breath sample taken later resulted in 0.203g/210L and 0.198g/210L, the report said.
W was arrested on charge of DUI (accident/property damage or minor injury) and transported to Lake County Jail. The Pennsylvania native was released after posting $2,000 bond.
Legal Support for Victims of DUI Accidents
Drunk driving accidents are among the most devastating—and preventable—types of crashes. If you’ve been injured by a driver under the influence, Ovadia Law Group is here to help you seek justice. Their experienced attorneys understand the emotional and physical toll these accidents take and are committed to holding the responsible party accountable. They’ll investigate the incident, gather evidence such as police reports and toxicology results, and build a strong case on your behalf. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Ovadia Law Group will fight to ensure you receive the maximum recovery possible. Don’t let a reckless driver’s actions go unanswered. Call 1-800-674-9396 today for a free consultation and let their team help you move forward with strength and support.
Source: leesburg-news
