Last Friday, a Guatemalan national was arrested in Lakeland after a series of traffic violations, the Polk County Sheriff's Office reported. The incident began when a truck, observed striking the curb on Wabash Avenue at around 12:29 am, failed to stay within its lane. A deputy signaled for the vehicle to pull over, but it continued before finally stopping in a driveway.
The driver, identified as 40-year-old Cornelio Bamaca-Lopez, showed signs of intoxication and was unable to provide a legal driver's license, according to a statement obtained by the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Field sobriety exercises were conducted and Bamaca-Lopez was subsequently taken into custody and charged with driving without a valid license, DUI, and fleeing to elude.
Bamaca-Lopez's breath alcohol content was reported to be 0.195 and 0.198, over double the legal limit in Florida. Following the arrest, he was detained at the Polk County Jail. In addition to the charges for the traffic violations, it has been disclosed that Bamaca-Lopez is in the United States without legal authorization.
An ICE Hold has been placed on Bamaca-Lopez, who entered the United States through Arizona two years ago, reports suggest. This hold can lead to further immigration-related custody and proceedings. Bamaca-Lopez is currently involved in legal proceedings related to traffic violations and his immigration status, which introduces multiple legal considerations for the Guatemalan national.
