Crime & Safety

Police: DUI Suspect Repeatedly Drives Into Duluth Restaurant

'I'm sorry, but the gas pedal was stuck,' the suspect tells Gwinnett Police.

A Duluth man is facing charges that include DUI and aggravated assault after he drove his vehicle into a Taco Bell restaurant on Pleasant Hill Road, police said.

According to Gwinnett Police, Armando Lupercio of a Hopkins Mill Road address was arrested after an incident that happened shortly after midnight Sunday (Oct. 6) at the restaurant at 2121 Pleasant Hill Road.

"I'm sorry, but the gas pedal was stuck," the suspect told police, according to the report.

While on patrol, the officer first heard a loud noise similar to tires screeching, then later heard a woman yell, "Help."

The woman told police that a man had driven into the restaurant, and the officer then noticed the damage -- window smashed, bricks scattered over the dining area floor, as well as tables and chairs.

While the officer was on the radio to dispatch, a truck came into the area, drove into the restaurant, backed up, and drove into the restaurant again, the report said.

The truck then backed up and accelerated in the direction of the officer and the witness. The truck then struck the witness' vehicle, then hit the side of the building.

The officer said he felt the driver intended "to strike any object or person within the path of the truck."

The truck was stopped after hitting the side of the building. The officer approached, and the suspect eventually left the vehicle.

A breath test on Lupercio revealed a blood-alcohol content of 0.142, the report said. The suspect, who is 20 years old, also faces charges of possession of alcohol by a minor.

This information was provided by Gwinnett Police. It does not indicate a conviction. Questions should be addressed to duluth@patch.com.


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