A Lehigh Acres man facing DUI manslaughter charges in a July crash that killed a cyclist claimed his innocence Monday.
Zenaido Martinez Gomez, 33, entered a not-guilty plea before Lee Circuit Judge Robert Branning. He was released on July 6 on a $50,000 bond following his July 3 arrest. He’s charged with DUI manslaughter, hit-and-run, and DUI with property damage.
According to a Florida Highway Patrol incident report, the crash happened around 9:35 p.m. July 2 along Douglas Lane, near Homer Avenue, in Lehigh Acres.
Troopers said Martinez Gomez’s Jeep was traveling east on Douglas Lane as the bicyclist traveled west on Douglas Lane, near the north shoulder.
Martinez Gomez partially entered the north grass shoulder. The front of his Jeep struck the bicyclist, as well as a mailbox.
Troopers said that after the crash, Martinez Gomez exited his vehicle, but later fled.
The bicyclist suffered critical injuries, was transported to Gulf Coast Medical Center, 13681 Doctors Way, and died.
A witness on the scene, who lives in the 4600 block of Douglas Lane, provided authorities with a partial tag description. Soon after, they found a Jeep matching the description in the 4000 block of Seventh Street Southwest, in Lehigh Acres.
Around 11:30 p.m. that night, troopers said, the SUV, with consistent damage to the crash scene, was still warm to the touch.
Troopers further said they found beer bottle glass within the front grille consistent with shattered glass at the crash scene.
Authorities then went to Martinez Gomez’s residence, where a relative led them to his bedroom.
They also indicate in the report that he had “red watery bloodshot eyes, along with a strong odor of alcoholic beverage.”
The report indicates Martinez Gomez refused to cooperate with slurred speech. Troopers arrested him shortly past midnight.
He’s next due in court on Sept. 12 for a case management conference.