Calls to 911 alerted law enforcement to a drunk driving suspect who crashed into a tree at a home in The Villages.
Homeowners in the Village of De La Vista West called 911 on Saturday night after a black 2025 Honda CRV with Virginia license plates jumped a curb on Carrera Drive and struck a tree, according to an arrest report from the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office.
The first 911 caller had reported that the vehicle ran over landscaping in his yard and kept going. He said the vehicle had a possible blown tire.
The second 911 call came in a few minutes later while the first 911 caller was still on the line. The woman who made the second 911 call reported the car had crashed into her tree.
When deputies arrived on the scene, they found 61-year-old Salvatore Stanzione Jr., who lives on Montoya Drive in The Villages, was leaning against his car, holding a cloth to his head. He had suffered an obvious head abrasion. Stanzione had “slurred speech” and “bloodshot glassy eyes.” A bottle of Woodbridge Chardonnay wine was found in his vehicle. It was three-quarters empty. He had told Villagers who had initially rendered aid that he was “depressed” and going through “a divorce.”
He was transported by ambulance to UF Health Spanish Plaines Hospital in The Villages.
When Stanzione was interviewed at the hospital, the Brooklyn native agreed to provide a blood sample. He also provided breath samples that registered .160 and .157 blood alcohol content.
A criminal history check revealed that he had been convicted in of driving under the influence in Pasco County.
He was arrested on charges of driving under the influence and hit and run. He was booked at the Sumter County Detention Center and released after posting $2,500 bond.