By Staff Writer
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Authorities apprehended 27-year-old Angelo Rodriguez early yesterday after he was found in a precarious situation inside a partially submerged pickup truck in Lake Alice.
At approximately 2:09 a.m. on March 16, officers from the University of Florida Police Department responded to an alert about a vehicle in distress. Upon arrival, they discovered a silver Toyota Tundra about 30 feet from the lake’s shore. The vehicle’s engine compartment was significantly underwater, with water rising about a third of the way up the driver’s side door. With all windows rolled up, officers were initially uncertain if anyone was inside the truck.
Further investigation revealed damage to the railing along a nearby walkway, which had been detached from its support poles and lay by the water’s edge. Tire marks traced a path from the center line of Village Road to the lakeside, where the railing had originally stood. Notably, there were no footprints or signs of disturbance on the bank.
Braving the water, two officers waded to the vehicle and discovered Rodriguez seated at the wheel. Gainesville Fire Rescue and Alachua County Fire Rescue were called upon to break the truck’s windows and extricate Rodriguez safely.
The incident report indicated that Rodriguez appeared to be under the influence, with a noticeable smell of alcohol emanating from his breath and body.
Rodriguez was transported to an emergency room, where an officer interviewed him after he was medically cleared. Rodriguez reportedly told the officer that he was heading south to downtown on Archer Road when he hit a “wet spot,” lost control while trying to keep his truck “in position,” and woke up in the lake with the officers.
Post Miranda, Rodriguez said he did not want to answer questions, but he consented to a blood draw; the result was reportedly 0.278 g/100 ml, over three times the legal limit.
Rodriguez reportedly had a Florida ID card, and the report states that he has had four previous convictions for driving with a suspended license. His license was permanently revoked in April 2020. He has been charged with driving under the influence with property damage and knowingly driving without a license, third or subsequent offense. Judge Meshon Rawls ordered him released on his own recognizance with a transdermal alcohol monitor and a requirement to enroll in a substance abuse treatment program.
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.
