MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) has released details of several DUI arrests from earlier this month, reminding residents that driving under the influence is not only illegal but potentially deadly.

MCSO urges anyone who suspects an impaired driver to call 911 immediately. They also encourage the use of designated drivers, taxis, or ride-hailing services like Uber or Lyft, options that are far safer and more affordable than a DUI arrest.

Below are recent DUI cases as reported by MCSO:

Ramiro Piedra

Ramiro Piedra mugshot provided by Marion County Sheriff’s Office

Deputy B. Fitch spotted a suspicious vehicle in the roadway at 489 NW 110th Avenue. The driver, identified as Ramiro Piedra, showed clear signs of impairment and refused to identify himself or provide a driver’s license. Several empty beer cans were found in the vehicle. Piedra also refused to complete field sobriety exercises or submit a breath sample. A records check confirmed he had no valid license and a prior DUI conviction from 2016.

Jesaka Downs

Deputy Bailey located a running Kia sedan parked outside the Waffle House at 4611 SE Maricamp Road. The driver, Jesaka Downs, appeared to be asleep next to an open bottle of alcohol. After being awakened, she displayed several signs of impairment and refused to perform field sobriety exercises. Downs was arrested for DUI and taken to the Marion County Jail, where she became belligerent and began removing her clothing. She struck a detention deputy with a closed fist and now faces additional charges.

Ivan Lezama-Mora

Deputy Faulkner responded to a report of a driver slumped over at SW Hwy 200 and SW 60th Avenue. He discovered Ivan Lezama-Mora asleep in the driver’s seat of a vehicle still in drive. After multiple attempts, Faulkner was able to wake him and observed an open beer in the cup holder. Lezama-Mora agreed to perform field sobriety exercises, which he failed. He was arrested and later blew a .188 at the jail. He also did not have a valid driver’s license.

Rodney Elkins

Deputy Weaver and Deputy Trainee Florio observed a white Lexus swerving along S. Pine Avenue. The driver, Rodney Elkins, pulled into Body Shots Gentleman’s Club and admitted he had consumed a few drinks. After failing field sobriety exercises, Elkins was arrested. A search of his vehicle revealed a tumbler containing alcohol. At the jail, he refused to provide a breath sample and now faces a license suspension.

MCSO stresses there is never a good reason to drive under the influence. A taxi ride might cost you $20, but a DUI could cost you your license, your freedom, or even a life.

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