DUI suspect stopped in Leesburg while traveling from Miami to Ocala

An Ocala woman was arrested for drunk driving after having two shots of Hennessy before attempting to drive from Miami to Ocala. 

Police responded to a traffic crash at the 700 block of North 14th Street in Leesburg around 5 p.m. Thursday, according to an arrest report from the Leesburg Police Department. 

Upon arrival at the scene, officers met with 35-year-old Alisha Shantell Lattin. Her eyes were watery and bloodshot, and the distinct odor of alcoholic beverages emanated from her vehicle. The odor increased as she spoke to the officers, the report said. 

The officers conducted a crash investigation and informed the other involved parties they could leave. However, Lattin was under suspicion of driving while intoxicated and asked to perform field sobriety exercises, the report said. 

Lattin was also questioned, during which she explained that she had been drinking throughout the night with a friend in Miami. She had a mixed drink and two shots of Hennessy before leaving the city to drive to Ocala. She admitted to feeling the effects of the alcohol while on the scene, the report said. 

A search of her vehicle later revealed an empty 750ml bottle of Hennessy on the passenger floorboard, the report said. Breath tests resulting in .142 and .144 also confirmed her statement.  

As a result of the exercises, her statement and the evidence, Lattin was arrested on charge of driving under the influence. She was transported to the Lake County Jail with bond set at $2,500. A court date was set for Nov. 17.