Drunk, Unlicensed Driver Crashes Head-On, Caught with Cocaine

ALACHUA ‒ A wrong-way driver was arrested late March 9, 2025, after colliding head-on with another vehicle on U.S. Highway 441, leading to multiple charges, including DUI and possession of a controlled substance.

At approximately 10:15 p.m., Alachua Police Department (APD) Officer Garrido observed a vehicle traveling southbound in the northbound lanes near Northwest 135th Terrace. After turning around and activating emergency lights, the officer attempted to intercept the vehicle, but before a stop could be initiated, the driver crashed into a 2003 silver Dodge. The impact disabled both vehicles.

The driver of the Dodge was evaluated at the scene and was medically cleared. The wrong-way driver, identified as Ludwin E. Funes Salazar, showed clear signs of impairment, including slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and the smell of alcohol. Salazar refused to perform field sobriety exercises and was found to be unlicensed, presenting only a Guatemalan passport. Despite the crash, he declined medical attention from fire rescue personnel.

Salazar was taken into custody and, following Alachua County Jail policy, was transported to a local hospital for medical clearance. While at the hospital, he became combative, resisting officers and stepping on a Gainesville Police officer’s foot.

After being transported to the Alachua County Jail, Salazar consented to a breath test, which revealed a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.245—more than three times the legal limit. A search at the jail uncovered two small baggies containing 0.3 grams of cocaine hidden in his jeans pocket.

A subsequent search of Salazar’s vehicle before it was towed revealed multiple alcoholic beverages and open containers.

Salazar faces several charges, including DUI, driving without a license, resisting an officer, and possession of a controlled substance.

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