Arrest for DUI with Property Damage after Hit and Run

By Kathryn Wohlpart

David Marinelli was arrested after a police investigation revealed that he hit a sign and a parked car before driving off while under the influence.

Marinelli was found unconscious behind the wheel of his Mercedes on June 1 and had difficulty completing the field sobriety tests completed by Officer Andrew Crawford. Marinelli advised the officers that he had been struck by another car on I-95 but had no proof.

The officers initiated their investigation on SW 12th Ave, where Jim Stingle had called from to report a hit and run. Stingle reported that a car had driven across his property and hit a pedestrian sign before hitting a truck that was parked on his property.

The police noted that the car that had performed the hit and run had left parts at the scene and traced the headlight part number back to a Mercedes Benz. The officers then followed an oil slick around to a parking lot where they located Marinelli behind the wheel of his damaged Mercedes.

Crawford completed field sobriety tests and placed Marinelli under arrest for DUI with property damage and leaving the scene of an accident. Those who have been involved in a dui case may seek the services of a dui defense lawyer or a criminal defense attorney to ensure that their rights are protected.

Crawford located a “multicolored glass pipe” in Marinelli’s car, which later tested positive for marijuana. A prescription bottle with approximately 1.3 grams of marijuana was also found on Marinelli’s person and he was additionally charged with possession of marijuana under 20 grams and two counts of possession paraphernalia.

Marinelli was then transported to the Boca Raton Police Department where his breath alcohol was recorded as .172 and .171.