A Florida man is facing a slew of charges after he led police on a high speed chase, causing multiple accidents, all while allegedly being under the influence of alcohol.
The chase supposedly started when 67 year old Charles Richard Barrow was seen swerving on U.S. 41 shortly after a hit and run had been reported. Barrow was driving a Mazda Miata with no headlights, forcing drivers off the road as he avoided police.
In all, the Herald Tribune reports Barrow caused 17 accidents and about $17,500 in property damage.
The chase reached speeds of 80 mph in 45 mph zones and ended when Barrow’s tire blew out.
Barrow was arrested and held in the Charlotte County Jail before posting a $20,250 bond. He is facing 7 counts of DUI with property damage, 7 counts of hit and run, 2 counts of DUI with bodily injury, 2 counts of hit and run with physical injury, and fleeing to elude.
Because the penalties for a DUI get stricter with each offense, Barrow will be facing several years in prison for the DUI charges alone.
Likewise, the multiple hit and run charges carry lengthy prison terms. Hit and run involving only property damage is a misdemeanor. However, hit and run involving injury is a 3rd degree felony and carries up to 15 years in prison.
Barrow is looking at a quite frightening encounter with the Florida courts as he faces so many charges and allegedly put several lives at risk.
When facing any number of DUI or hit and run charges you have a right to be nervous about your court dates and even frightened about the potential outcomes.
Having an aggressive defense attorney on your side can help take some of the pressure off. Together we will examine every angle of your case to ensure we are doing all that we can to gain a positive outcome in court.
If you are facing DUI or hit and run charges, call me immediately to discuss the details.