A Nicaraguan man illegally in the United States is facing enhanced charges in Florida after allegedly committing a drunken hit-and-run, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, as reported by Fox News.
Authorities identified the suspect as 34-year-old Roberto Sandobal-Lopez, who was arrested Saturday evening in Winter Haven. Deputies responded around 7 p.m. after receiving reports that a white Honda had crashed into a fence and the driver had walked away from the scene.
Sheriff Grady Judd said deputies located Sandobal-Lopez nearby a short time later and determined that he was intoxicated. According to the sheriff’s office, deputies observed that his eyes were “watery” and “bloodshot,” and they could smell alcohol.
When asked if he had been drinking, Sandobal-Lopez allegedly admitted to consuming six bottles of Modelo beer at around 5 p.m.
Deputies administered a breath test, which recorded blood alcohol content levels of 0.13 and 0.124. Field sobriety exercises also indicated “several signs of impairment,” the sheriff’s office reported.
Sandobal-Lopez was taken to the Polk County Jail and charged with driving under the influence with property damage, DUI, leaving the scene of a crash with property damage, and operating a vehicle without a driver’s license.
A Nicaraguan man, Roberto Sandobal-Lopez, 34, was arrested in Florida for a hit-and-run after crashing his Honda into a fence. His illegal immigration status led to enhanced charges, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. pic.twitter.com/FBtMOmHsul
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Because Sandobal-Lopez is in the country illegally, his charges were upgraded. Under Florida law, an individual’s immigration status can increase the severity of criminal charges.
Sheriff Judd explained that the DUI with property damage charge was elevated to a third-degree felony, while the other charges remained first-degree misdemeanors.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Judd emphasized that Sandobal-Lopez will remain in custody until U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement assumes responsibility.
The sheriff also pointed out that the incident could have been far worse, noting that it was fortunate the crash only damaged a fence.
“He’s a coward for walking away from the scene and responsibility,” Judd said. He added that in Florida, illegal immigration status directly impacts sentencing.
“In Florida, if you’re committing the crime of being here illegally, your other criminal charges are enhanced one degree; he’s now facing a serious felony because he caused damage to property while driving under the influence.”
Sheriff’s officials reiterated that Florida law treats the act of being in the country illegally as a crime that compounds additional offenses. The upgraded felony charge means Sandobal-Lopez could face a prison sentence if convicted.
ICE has not publicly commented on when they will take custody of Sandobal-Lopez, who remains behind bars at the Polk County Jail.
