A late-night fight outside a Florida bar ended with multiple felony charges after authorities say a driver struck two people with her vehicle during an altercation in the parking lot.
Deputies with the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Keg Room Bar around 1 a.m. on May 30 after receiving reports that a vehicle had hit multiple people during a disturbance.
According to investigators, 22-year-old Blaire Barnett of Lake City allegedly drove toward one person involved in the altercation before striking two others. Authorities said one victim was knocked to the ground while another was pushed approximately 30 feet by the vehicle.
The case also highlights an aspect of Florida DUI investigations that many drivers may not realize. According to the sheriff’s office, Barnett initially agreed to perform field sobriety exercises before refusing to complete them, and later refused to provide a breath sample after being transported to jail.
Deputies Say Two People Were Struck During an Altercation
Authorities said one victim was knocked to the ground, while a second victim was pushed approximately 30 feet by the vehicle.
Witnesses identified Barnett as the driver, and deputies said video evidence reviewed during the investigation corroborated those accounts.
Video Evidence and Witness Statements Led to the Arrest
While speaking with Barnett, deputies observed what they described as signs of impairment, including bloodshot, watery eyes and the odor of alcohol. According to the sheriff’s office, Barnett admitted she had been drinking.
She initially agreed to perform field sobriety exercises but later refused to complete them, deputies said.
Barnett was arrested and transported to the Suwannee County Jail. After being read Florida’s Implied Consent Warning, she also refused to provide a breath sample, according to investigators.
Refusing Field Sobriety Exercises Is Different From Refusing a Breath Test
Florida drivers are often surprised to learn that field sobriety exercises and breath tests are treated differently under state law.
Field sobriety exercises, such as the walk-and-turn test or one-leg stand, are generally voluntary. Drivers may refuse to perform those exercises, but officers may still rely on other observations to determine whether probable cause exists for a DUI arrest.
Breath tests are different. Under Florida’s implied consent law, drivers who refuse a lawful breath test after an arrest may face an administrative suspension of their driver’s license. Prosecutors may also be permitted to introduce evidence of the refusal during court proceedings.
Aggravated Battery and Dui Charges Filed
Jail records show Barnett was charged with aggravated battery, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and DUI-related offenses.
The listed charges include aggravated battery, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, DUI, and an additional DUI-related offense involving alleged personal injury.
Records show Barnett was booked into the Suwannee County Jail shortly after her arrest and was released later the same day.
The incident remains under investigation.