GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Gainesville Mayor Craig Lowe was released from jail on his own recognizance Thursday afternoon, hours are he was arrested for DUI with property damage, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
A trooper was called out to a car crash in the area of NE 21st Street and NE 156th Avenue in Alachua County around 2:28 a.m. Thursday morning, according to Sgt. Tracy Pace with FHP.
When officers arrived on scene around 3:46 a.m., authorities found Lowe asleep behind the wheel of his car.
They said he appeared to be intoxicated and his silver Honda Civic was badly damaged.
Lowe reportedly told authorities he fell asleep while driving and that was cause of the crash.
He admitted to having three beers earlier in the night.
A field sobriety test was performed, and although he tested under the limit, the arresting officer concluded he was impaired at the time of the crash.
Mayor Lowe has been charged with DUI with property damage.
Lowe is headed toward a runoff election against Ed Braddy in April.