A man from Brazil who had been drinking Jack Daniels was arrested for driving under the influence after crashing into two parked cars.
Deputies got a call about a white Mitsubishi SUV that the parked cars near Gold Dust Drive and Lost Horizon Way in Clermont around 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, according to an arrest report from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Dispatch advised that the driver, later identified as 36-year-old Fabio Junio Dos Santos, was driving recklessly around the neighborhood.
Upon arrival, deputies canvassed the immediate area until they found the vehicle with fresh significant damage. A green Toyota pickup had damage to the left rear bumper, having been hit by the vehicle. A BMW also sustained damage, and its owner was found at the scene, the report said.
Dos Santostried to leave the scene despite his vehicle having a large amount of damage and deflated front tires. Its final resting spot was perpendicular, facing southwest. He was subsequently detained to prevent any more risk to the public, the report said.
The owner of the BMW subsequently advised that he saw Dos Santos hit the green Toyota, but he kept an eye on him until law enforcement got there. Deputies later found Jack Daniels whiskey in the center console compartment of the Mitsubishi, the report said.
A closer inspection of Dos Santos revealed he had watery bloodshot eyes and looked visibly disoriented. He had poor balance and needed help to walk safely, as well. Deputies had to repeat simple questions multiple times to ensure he understood what was being asked, but his answers were slurred. He was extremely drowsy and lethargic, refusing to participate in field sobriety exercises, the report said.
Dos Santos continued to show signs of impairment throughout the investigation, including extreme sleepiness, snoring, inattentiveness and repeatedly lowering his head. He did not respond when he was told to wake up. However, he did provide breath samples of 0.174g/210L and 0.175g/210L, the report said.
The native of Brazil was arrested on charges of DUI, two counts of leaving the scene of an accident and DUI with damage to property. He was transported to Lake County Jail and released after posting $40,000 bond.