Nicaraguan man illegally in US facing ‘enhanced’ charges after drunken hit-and-run: sheriff

A Nicaraguan man who is in the United States illegally is facing serious charges in Florida after a drunken hit-and-run incident over the weekend. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office reported that Roberto Sandobal-Lopez, 34, was arrested on Saturday after crashing his white Honda into a fence in Winter Haven around 7 p.m. and then fleeing the scene.

Witnesses called the sheriff’s office to report the crash, leading deputies to locate Sandobal-Lopez in the nearby area shortly after the incident. He was found to be intoxicated, with watery and bloodshot eyes, and the smell of alcohol on his breath. Sandobal-Lopez admitted to drinking six bottles of Modelo beer a few hours prior to the crash.

Breath tests revealed blood alcohol levels of 0.13 and 0.124, and field sobriety tests confirmed signs of impairment. He was taken into custody and charged with DUI with property damage, driving under the influence, leaving the scene of the crash with property damage, and driving without a license.

Due to his illegal immigration status, Sandobal-Lopez’s charges were upgraded, with the “DUI with property damage” charge becoming a third-degree felony. The other charges remained as first-degree misdemeanors. Sheriff Grady Judd stated that Sandobal-Lopez will remain in jail until he is picked up by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Sheriff Judd emphasized the seriousness of being in the US illegally and how it impacts criminal charges in Florida. He condemned Sandobal-Lopez for walking away from the scene and failing to take responsibility for his actions. Judd highlighted the fact that immigration status can elevate the severity of criminal charges, as in this case where Sandobal-Lopez now faces a serious felony for causing property damage while driving under the influence.

It is fortunate that only a fence was damaged in the incident, but Sheriff Judd stressed the importance of accountability and the consequences of illegal actions. Sandobal-Lopez’s case serves as a reminder of the legal ramifications of being in the US without proper documentation and the additional penalties that may result from criminal behavior.