Leonardo David Perez, 17, was arrested over the weekend after he left the scene of a traffic accident on Villa Clara Way in Gainesville. But that’s not all he allegedly did.
Hall County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) uniform patrol deputies responded to the scene just before 11:15 p.m. Saturday. The victim of the hit-and-run accident reported he had slowed to turn in his driveway when a passenger car struck his vehicle from behind and fled the scene. Witnesses to the incident were able to provide an account of what happened along with security footage showing the offender, later identified as Perez, leaving the scene.
Deputies were able to locate Perez at his residence on nearby Ventura Drive. His damaged vehicle was inside the garage at his residence. Deputies questioned Perez about the hit-and-run, and he confirmed he had been driving the vehicle that struck the victim’s car. In addition, deputies detected an odor of marijuana coming from Perez’s person. They also searched his vehicle and found a partially-consumed alcoholic beverage in the center cup holder.
As a result of the on-scene investigation, HCSO deputies charged Perez with DUI-multiple substances, underage consumption/possession of alcohol, open container violation, duty to stop at the scene of an accident, invalid registration of vehicle and no proof of minimum insurance. All offenses are classified as misdemeanors.
At last check, Perez remained in the Hall County Jail.
The victim was treated at the scene by EMS for lower back pain caused by the crash. Perez was not injured in the collision.”