Suspect in U.S. Illegally Apprehended for Leaving Scene of Crash, DUI in Central Florida

A suspect in the United States illegally was apprehended for leaving the scene of a crash and DUI with property damage in Central Florida.

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect, who is in the country illegally from Mexico, crashed his friend’s truck before fleeing into a wooded area.

A witness to the crash called 911 and stated that a black Nissan truck had collided with a concrete barrier on SR 33 North near Old Polk City Road in Polk City and that the driver and only occupant had fled on foot.

Polk County Sheriff’s deputies arrived and requested a drone unit to attend. The deputy sheriff using the drone discovered the suspect wandering in a nearby wooded area.

He was arrested without incident and positively recognized by the witness.

During an interview with the suspect, who had injuries consistent with a crash and symptoms of impairment, he informed authorities that he fled because he was afraid because he did not have a driver’s license. Deputies called the truck’s registered owner, who stated that he was out drinking drinks with friends, including the suspect, after work when he chose to hitch a ride home, at which time he left his truck keys with Sotero-Vera and asked him to move the truck so it would not be towed away.

According to local law enforcement, Omar Sotero-Vera failed field sobriety tests, with breath alcohol content readings of 0.143 and 0.139 (the legal threshold for impairment is 0.08).

Deputies called ICE, who confirmed he had entered the country unlawfully three years ago. They put a detainer on him at the jail.

“I’m very proud of the witness who called us and the swift actions of my deputies who took this illegal criminal alien into custody. As drunk as he was it’s a miracle he didn’t hurt or kill anyone,” said Sheriff Grady Judd.

Omar Sotero-Vera was charged with leaving the scene of a crash resulting in property damage, driving without a valid license, DUI, and DUI with property damage. Because of his illegal alien status, each of these offenses has been increased by one level.