A Groveland man suspected of a hit and run was arrested on a DUI charge despite refusing to do sobriety exercises because of an ingrown toenail.
Police arrived at the scene of a hit and run near County Road 33 and Lazy Lane around 7:09 p.m. Saturday, according to an arrest report from Florida Highway Patrol. The accident involved two vehicles, a gold Hyundai belonging to 27-year-old Willie Roger Holmes and a tan Silverado belonging to the victim.
The officer began her investigation by speaking to the victim, the report said. He claimed he was driving southbound on CR 33 approaching Bridges Road at the same time Holmes was driving westbound on Bridges Road approaching a stop sign on CR 33.
The victim reported that Holmes ran the stop sign and collided with his vehicle, leaving damage on the left side of his driver door. He was able to get a good look at Holmes in the driver seat, and he noticed no one else was inside the vehicle, the report said.
The victim tried to stop Holmes, but he sped down CR 33 instead. The victim decided to follow Holmes and never lost sight of him in the process. Holmes came to a stop on CR 33 and Lazy Lane while the victim was driving behind him. Holmes exited his vehicle and reached into the trunk before returning to his seat until law enforcement arrived, the report said.
The victim stated he sustained neck injuries from the incident but would receive medical attention at a later time, the report said.
Then, the officer’s investigation shifted to Holmes, who had already been approached by another officer. The hood of his vehicle was attached by one hinge and hung to the left side parallel to the ground. Later, officers noticed the front bumper was missing. This was found on the southwest corner of the intersection where the accident occurred, the report said.
As officers began speaking to Holmes together in the driver’s seat of his vehicle, he appeared to have bloodshot, glassy eyes. Holmes also had no shoes or shirt on, just pants, as he lay across the driver’s seat. However, neither of the officers could detect the smell of alcohol, the report said.
The officers asked Holmes several questions, including what happened during the incident. His answer was not definitive as he first said he was driving, then that he did not remember and finally that he went across and the collision occurred. He ended by saying he thought he was dead and felt like he was in shock, the report said.
Although EMS came to the scene and checked Holmes, he refused to go to the hospital, the report said. He also refused to perform field sobriety exercises due to his claims of an ingrown toenail, a sore neck, a herniated disk in his back and the possibility of being in shock.
Despite his refusal to perform the exercises, the officers concluded that Holmes was under the influence of a controlled substance. He was then arrested and placed in a patrol car to be taken to the Lake County Jail, the report said.
While on the way to the jail, Holmes complained of wrist pain due to the cuffs, the report said. The officer stopped on the side of the road and attempted to loosen the cuffs, but due to safety concerns and noticing Holmes’ girlfriend following the vehicle, the officer transported Holms to an FHP sub station near US 27 and SR 91.
EMS was again requested after adjusting the cuffs and was again refused by Holmes, the report said. The officer continued to transport him to the Lake County Jail. While there, Holmes refused to provide breath or urine samples. He also refused to sign the consent form.
Holmes was ultimately charged with hit and run with injuries and DUI. He was released from jail after posting $1,500 bond.
