Alachua Man Arrested for DUI While Driving Tractor

HIGH SPRINGS ‒ A 60-year-old man from Alachua was arrested Monday afternoon, Aug. 19, 2024, after allegedly driving a tractor under the influence of alcohol and without a valid license on Main Street in High Springs.

The High Springs Police Department (HSPD) reported that around 4:40 p.m., an officer observed a green John Deere tractor weaving across lanes as it traveled north on Main Street. According to the officer’s report, the tractor crossed a double yellow line twice and entered the opposite lane to pass a line of cars, prompting a traffic stop.

The driver, identified as Rance Edward Shannon, presented a Florida identification card rather than a valid driver’s license when stopped. The officer noted two beers on the floorboard of the tractor and detected a strong odor of urine and alcohol emanating from Shannon. Additionally, Shannon’s speech was reportedly slurred, and he had difficulty standing when exiting the tractor.

Shannon was reportedly unable to perform field sobriety exercises “due to his level of influence.”

Further investigation revealed Shannon’s extensive criminal history, including 16 felony convictions—five of which were violent—and two previous felony DUI convictions. Shannon also has 36 misdemeanor convictions, including three for DUI, and has served seven state prison sentences. His most recent release was in September 2023.

Bail was set at $4,000 by Judge Kristine Van Vorst with a requirement for a Transdermal Alcohol Detection device.

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