Staff Report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – In the early hours today, Shu Zhi Zhu, a 28-year-old resident of Newberry, found himself in police custody following a crash that led to DUI charges. The incident occurred near the busy intersection of West Newberry Road and NW 8th Avenue, where Zhu’s vehicle collided with a real estate office.

The crash unfolded at approximately 12:17 a.m. on November 25. Officers from the Gainesville Police Department (GPD) swiftly responded to the scene at 5310 NW 8th Avenue. Upon arrival, they identified Zhu as the driver responsible for the accident, which involved the office of The Mills Group of Keller Williams.

Observations from the officer on the scene indicated that Zhu exhibited signs of impairment, including struggling to maintain his balance and slurring his speech. Despite these apparent signs, Zhu denied having consumed any alcohol prior to driving. However, his performance on the field sobriety exercises suggested otherwise, leading to his arrest on charges of driving under the influence.

Following his arrest, Zhu was informed of his rights, but reports suggest he claimed not to understand them and was uncooperative when they were explained. Later, at GPD Headquarters, he allegedly refused to provide a breath sample, resulting in an additional charge for refusal to submit to a breath test. Besides the DUI charge, Zhu also faces a citation for careless driving.

Zhu has been charged with driving under the influence and refusing to submit to a breath test. He has no criminal history, and Judge Meshon Rawls ordered him released on his own recognizance with a transdermal alcohol monitor.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.