An unlicensed driver from Mexico was arrested after vomiting in the Zaxby’s parking lot and swerving across the road.
Deputies got a call about a suspected impaired driver who appeared highly intoxicated in the Zaxby’s parking lot on State Road 44 inWildwood, around 11:50 p.m. Tuesday, according to an arrest report from the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. The caller stated the man, later identified as 30-year-old Carlos Gomez-Silvestre of Summerfield, vomited on the ground and left in a blue 2007 Kia SUV.
The caller continued to watch the vehicle and advised that it was swerving across multiple traffic lanes. They were able to give dispatch a description of the vehicle and the license plate number. For safety reasons, the caller was told to stop following the vehicle, the report said.
A deputy then responded to the area as the caller directed him to the route Gomez-Silvestre took. He found the vehicle sitting with hazard lights activated on the shoulder of State Road 44 and County Road 231. He approached the vehicle to see Gomez-Silvestre passed out and slumped forward, the report said.
Vomit was visible on the outside of the driver’s side door. The deputy woke Gomez-Silvestre and noticed the odor of alcoholic beverages coming from the vehicle. He had glassy bloodshot eyes, as well, the report said.
Gomez-Silvestre handed over a Mexican ID as more deputies arrived on scene to investigate for DUI. They were told the vehicle’s engine had been running, and hazard lights were on when they made contact. Gomez-Silvestre was instructed to shut off the vehicle and surrender the keys, the report said.
Gomez-Silvestre advised that he had left his landscaping job about an hour earlier and drank four Modelo beers at a friend’s house within the last hour. His speech was slurred, his eyes were still bloodshot and glassy, and he had a fixed gaze with trouble staying focused, the report said.
He added that he had been living in the U.S. unlawfully for four years and had worked his landscaping job for three of those years. He did not have a driver’s license and acknowledged driving a motor vehicle unlawfully due to his need to travel for work, the report said.
Based on indicators of impairment, a deputy asked him to participate in field sobriety exercises. He agreed but had a hard time focusing. He also stepped, swayed and stumbled out of position while being given the instructions. The deputy concluded that he was under the influence, and he later provided breath samples of 0.224 / 0.221 / 0.203, the report said.
Gomez-Silvestre was arrested on charges of DUI and operate motor vehicle without valid license. The native of Mexico was transported to the Sumter County Detention Center with bond set at $1,150.