Newberry man arrested on DUI charges after crashing into real estate office in Gainesville

Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Shu Zhi Zhu, 28, of Newberry, was arrested early this morning on DUI charges after crashing into a real estate office near the intersection of West Newberry Road and NW 8th Avenue.

At about 12:17 a.m. on November 25, Gainesville Police Department (GPD) officer responded to a crash at 5310 NW 8th Avenue and determined that Zhu had been driving the car that crashed into the office of The Mills Group of Keller Williams. An officer reported that Zhu had difficulty keeping his balance and was slurring his words.

Zhu reportedly denied drinking any alcohol before driving, but the officer reported that he performed poorly on field sobriety exercises and arrested him for driving under the influence. Post Miranda, Zhu reportedly said he did not understand his rights and refused to listen when his rights were explained.

At GPD Headquarters, Zhu allegedly refused to respond to requests to provide a lawful breath sample and was charged with refusal to submit to a breath test. He was also cited for careless driving.

Zhu has been charged with driving under the influence and refusing to submit to a breath test. He has no criminal history, and Judge Meshon Rawls ordered him released on his own recognizance with a transdermal alcohol monitor.

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.