By Staff

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Early this morning, 28-year-old Shu Zhi Zhu from Newberry was taken into custody on DUI charges following a car crash into a real estate office at the junction of West Newberry Road and NW 8th Avenue.

The incident occurred around 12:17 a.m. on November 25, prompting a response from the Gainesville Police Department (GPD). Officers discovered that Zhu was the driver of the vehicle that collided with The Mills Group of Keller Williams’ office at 5310 NW 8th Avenue. According to police reports, Zhu exhibited signs of intoxication, including difficulty maintaining balance and slurred speech.

Although Zhu denied consuming alcohol prior to driving, the responding officer noted his poor performance on field sobriety tests, leading to his arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence. After being informed of his rights, Zhu reportedly claimed a lack of understanding and refused to acknowledge them when explained further.

Once at GPD Headquarters, Zhu allegedly declined to provide a breath sample, resulting in an additional charge for refusal to submit to a breath test. He was also cited for careless driving.

Zhu currently faces charges of driving under the influence and refusal to submit to a breath test. With no prior criminal record, he was released on his own recognizance by Judge Meshon Rawls, who also mandated that Zhu wear a transdermal alcohol monitor.

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.