Hawthorne man charged with DUI after crashing into liquor store

Staff report

HAWTHORNE, Fla. – John Clement Lee, 73, was arrested yesterday on a DUI charge after his truck crashed into a liquor store in Hawthorne.

Photo courtesy Alachua County Sheriff’s Office

At about 6: 15 p.m. on January 30, Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the Hawthorne Liquor Store (7030 SE U.S. Hwy 301) regarding a traffic crash with injuries. The arresting deputy reported that she found a GMC Sierra pickup truck fully inside the liquor store, causing about $20,000 in property damage. The driver was identified as Lee.

Other deputies reported that Lee had been behind the wheel of the truck and had admitted to having several beers.

The arresting deputy reported that Lee was visibly shaking and could not stand or walk unassisted. After he was medically cleared by EMS and found to be uninjured, Lee reportedly agreed to perform field sobriety exercises but performed poorly.

Post Miranda, Lee reportedly said he’d had three 16 oz beers before driving. Both breath samples reportedly measured at 0.00 g/210L, so a urine sample was requested.

Lee has been charged with DUI with property damage. He has no criminal history, and Judge Meshon Rawls ordered him released on his own recognizance.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 

  • I cracked up as soon as I scrolled down to the image. I was expecting a little brick loose on the corner of the building, not THAT! How fast was he going?! ; P

  • Busch Light 16 oz tall boys , the choice for Crazy Domestic Terrorist Drunkards .

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