A 22-year-old Dunnellon man is being charged with driving under the influence after he crashed into an Ocala business and fled from police officers early Monday morning.
At around 12:30 a.m., multiple Ocala Police Department officers responded to Healthy Smiles Dentistry located at 206 SW 10th Street due to reports that a Chevrolet Equinox had crashed into the building and caused extensive damage.
OPD stated that the driver of the SUV had also struck another vehicle on the roadway prior to colliding with the building. There were no injuries reported.
Officers responded to the incident location and observed that the driver of the SUV, later identified as Gabriel Johann Hausy, was no longer in the vehicle. A witness provided a physical description of Hausy, and the officers quickly spotted him in the distance.
Hausy attempted to flee from the officers and a brief foot pursuit ensued. He was quickly detained by law enforcement.
During an investigation, OPD discovered that Hausy was the registered owner of the Chevrolet Equinox. Additionally, investigators learned that Hausy had purchased alcoholic beverages at a bar approximately an hour and a half prior to the crash.
OPD stated that Hausy agreed to submit to a breathalyzer test and the results were .14, which is “quite high.”
Hausy was arrested and transported to Marion County Jail where he is currently being held on $2,500 bond. He is facing misdemeanor charges for driving under the influence of alcohol with property damage, resisting an officer without violence, and leaving the scene of an accident with property damage.
A court date has not been scheduled yet, according to jail records.
“Driving while under the influence is a truly reckless decision and there are severe consequences for such negligent behavior,” stated the Ocala Police Department. “Unfortunately, one man disregarded this fact and caused catastrophic property damage to a building in the area. Thankfully he not only survived, but also did not injure anyone during his recklessness.”
The police department added, “It should stand as a reminder that this type of dangerous driving can have devastating outcomes.”