The North Port Police Department has arrested a man accused of DUI and crashing into a Port Charlotte home’s garage.
Police arrested Merald Onyemaechi, 26, on Tuesday after he was suspected of driving while under the influence on U.S. 41 and S. Salford Boulevard.
According to the NPPD, Onyemaechi refused to pull over, giving chase to law enforcement near the Kia Dealership on Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte.
The pursuit continued through Tamiami Trail and as the vehicle approached Midway Boulevard.
The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office assisted the NPPD with the pursuit.
The fleeing vehicle then crashed into a house garage located on Lakeshore Circle and Linton Lane in Port Charlotte.
Onyemaechi then exited the vehicle, attempting to escape. Police gave chase to the driver, where he was ultimately caught and taken into custody.
Following protocol, the driver was taken to a local hospital to check for injuries.
According to deputies, the home did not sustain any structural damage, and the crash injured none of the occupants.
Tow trucks were called to remove the damaged vehicle from the garage.
After its removal, three North Port police vehicles remained on the scene to continue investigating.
Police combed through the area, aiming their attention toward the pathway taken by the suspected impaired driver.
WINK News arrived on the scene to investigate further. Reporter Camila Pereira spoke with the homeowner, Nancy, who said the driver dropped a ring while attempting to flee from law enforcement.
According to the NPPD, Onyemaechi is a convicted felon currently on probation for a home invasion robbery with a firearm.
He was arrested and charged with DUI, fleeing to elude, DUI with property damage, and felon in possession of a firearm.
It was noted that Onyemaechi had a gun and ammunition in his vehicle after law enforcement surveyed the scene.
He was taken into the Charlotte County Jail.
