Staff report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Alia Juanita Clarke, 26, was arrested early today for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol with a child in her vehicle and pushing another woman to the ground.
At approximately 1:43 a.m. on September 28, Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputies were called to Harbor Cove Apartments (6815 W. University Avenue) after a report of a fight.
After speaking with those involved, deputies determined that Clarke had taken her four-year-old child for a drive around the apartment complex and was seen driving erratically. Deputies noted that Clarke “parked the vehicle abruptly, almost crashing,” exited the car, and began arguing with a woman before pushing her to the ground. Clarke reportedly re-entered her car and attempted to leave, but “was unable” to do so.
Deputies observed Clarke standing beside her vehicle upon arrival, noting significant damage to the car’s front, suggesting it had crashed. Clarke was reportedly uncooperative and was eventually detained after attempting to walk away.
A witness told deputies she saw Clarke driving erratically, leading her to fear that Clarke would hit her with the car.
Deputies discovered a child in the car, an open alcohol container in the cup holder, and an empty shot bottle under the front passenger seat. A deputy noted that Clarke smelled of alcohol.
Under Miranda rights, Clarke reportedly expressed willingness to answer questions, but a deputy indicated that she did not respond to any inquiries and repeatedly asked questions that the deputy had already addressed.
Deputies decided that field sobriety exercises could not be safely conducted because of Clarke’s resistance to complying with basic requests.
At the jail, Clarke reportedly agreed to provide a breath test sample, but the deputy reported that she would not follow instructions and did not provide a sample that could be read by the machine.
Clarke has been charged with DUI with a person under 18 in the vehicle, child neglect without great bodily harm, and battery. Clarke reportedly said she should not be charged with child endangerment because the child in the vehicle was not hers, but the deputy reported that it was her child. She has no criminal convictions, and Judge Jonathan Ramsey ordered her released on her 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.
