Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Beth Ann Godwin, 57, was taken into custody on June 6, facing charges including two counts of DUI with serious bodily injury to another and two counts of DUI with property damage. She is accused of colliding with two construction vehicles while impaired in September 2024.

On September 15, 2024, a Florida Highway Patrol Trooper attended to an accident in a construction zone on NW 23rd Avenue. The trooper documented that a black Hyundai had struck both a construction pickup truck and a dump truck, resulting in damage to both vehicles. The driver, identified as Godwin, reportedly remained in the car and avoided answering when questioned about the incident. She allegedly refused to provide her identity, displaying a “difficult and argumentative” demeanor. The trooper observed signs of confusion and noted her eyes appeared watery or glassy. Despite her initial refusal to exit the vehicle for an evaluation by EMS staff, she agreed to do so after the trooper indicated suspicion of her being under the influence, leading to her hospital transport.

According to the trooper, no alcoholic beverages, illegal substances, or prescribed drugs were discovered in the Hyundai. However, he did locate an iPhone, driver’s license, North Florida Hospital nurse’s ID, and a backpack with clothing and toiletries, all belonging to Godwin. His report highlighted a “suspicion and concern” that Godwin may have been under the influence during her travel from work.

Two occupants of the construction pickup truck reported that they sustained injuries in the crash. A witness who had been working as a flagger said he saw a black car traveling at high speed, with the driver looking down or slumped over the wheel. He had been holding a stop sign indicating that traffic should stop, but when he saw a car “flying over the hill,” he quickly put the sign into a cone and ran; he said the black car went through without stopping, almost running him over before hitting the two construction vehicles.

The trooper spoke with medical professionals at the hospital and reported that they said Godwin was unconscious because they’d had to give her a sedative due to her “violent behavior and belligerence towards them.” The trooper noted that her face was flushed, consistent with alcohol consumption, and medical staff mentioned alcohol in her blood and advised that the trooper should subpoena her blood test.

A sworn complaint was filed in October 2024, and Godwin retained a private attorney. A formal charge of DUI with property damage was filed in December; in January, Godwin’s attorney objected to the subpoena for her medical records, stating that her symptoms could be attributed to a concussion and the trooper’s request was only based on statements from medical staff that there was alcohol in her blood. A hearing on the objection was held on May 8, and on May 9, the four DUI charges listed above were formally filed. A warrant for Godwin’s arrest was issued on May 22, with bail set at $25,000 by Judge Denise Ferrero.

Godwin was arrested on June 6 and has been released on bail. She does not have any local criminal convictions.

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.