Nicaraguan Man Faces Elevated Charges After DUI Hit-and-Run in Florida
A man from Nicaragua, residing in the United States without legal status, is confronting "enhanced" charges in Florida following a drunken hit-and-run incident over the weekend, as per the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Grady Judd reported that deputies apprehended Roberto Sandobal-Lopez, 34, on Saturday evening after he collided with a fence in Winter Haven around 7 p.m. before fleeing the scene on foot.
Witnesses alerted the sheriff’s office about the crash, prompting deputies to respond.
Shortly after the incident, officers located Sandobal-Lopez walking in the vicinity and noticed signs of intoxication. His eyes were described as "bloodshot" and "watery," and officers detected the smell of alcohol on him.
When questioned about his alcohol consumption, Sandobal-Lopez purportedly stated that he had consumed six bottles of Modelo several hours prior, around 5 p.m.
Breath tests indicated blood alcohol content (BAC) levels of 0.13 and 0.124, according to the sheriff’s office.
Further evaluations revealed "multiple indicators of impairment," they reported.
Subsequently, Sandobal-Lopez was taken to the Polk County Jail, where he was charged with DUI causing property damage, driving under the influence, leaving the scene of an accident involving property damage, and operating a vehicle without a valid driver’s license.
Given his immigration status, authorities have elevated his charges by one degree, categorizing the DUI with property damage as a third-degree felony, while the other charges are classified as first-degree misdemeanors.
In a statement on social media, Sheriff Judd noted that Sandobal-Lopez will remain incarcerated until he is transferred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The sheriff commented on the event, expressing relief that only a fence was destroyed during the incident and labeling Sandobal-Lopez as a coward for abandoning the scene and his responsibilities.
He emphasized that unlawful presence in the U.S. constitutes a crime, affecting the severity of subsequent criminal charges.
“In Florida, individuals who commit the offense of being here illegally face enhanced penalties for any additional crimes; thus, he is now dealing with a serious felony for causing property damage while under the influence,” Judd stated.
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