LARGO — A Clearwater man was arrested following a crash that occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Friday, May 2, 2025, on West Bay Drive at 11th Street SW, according to the Largo Police Department.
Police say 54-year-old Lance Hidalgo was driving an Audi at a high rate of speed, rapidly changing lanes, and following other vehicles too closely before colliding with another car. Witnesses estimated Hidalgo’s speed between 60 and 80 mph in a posted 35 mph zone.
The impact caused the victim’s Mazda to overturn and come to rest on its roof. Largo firefighters extricated both the victim and Hidalgo from their vehicles.
The victim sustained two lacerations to the head. According to court documents, Hidalgo admitted to causing the crash and said he was running late to an event. Officers reported that Hidalgo showed several signs of impairment, though he claimed he had not consumed alcohol in the previous 24 hours.
A medical blood draw indicated a blood alcohol level of 0.319, nearly four times Florida’s legal limit of 0.08.
Hidalgo was arrested and transported to the Pinellas County Jail. He faces charges of reckless driving and driving under the influence. Records show previous DUI arrests in 2020, 2019, and 2008.