A man crashed into his own home amid a dispute over whether to sell it, according to deputies in Charlotte County, Florida. Douglas James Stonis, 61, was booked into jail on Sunday for charges including DUI damage to property — and then he landed behind bars again the next day for aggravated assault.
Deputies claim that on Saturday, Stonis drove his SUV into his home on Bocilla Drive
“Douglas then turned into his own driveway and began to drive into the stairs and stilts of the residence. Appearing to be driving up his stairs,” authorities wrote.
Douglas James Stonis drunkenly crashed into a house, deputies said. (Mug shot: Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office)
He allegedly then backed out of the residence and headed down toward the street before crashing into a black Cadillac.
Stonis is accused of stepping out of his silver Toyota 4Runner and yelling at bystanders. According to documents, that included the alleged victim. He allegedly threatened to kill her and then himself. She and Stonis are trustees in the now-damaged home, documents stated. The woman wanted to sell. He did not, according to the arrest affidavit.
One witness also described a flare at the side of the home, apparently fired at the residence.
Different witnesses voiced concern about Stonis being dangerous. For example, he was allegedly aggressive and “heavily armed.”
Stonis is also accused of making a three-point turn on a bridge, making contact with the bridge every time.
From authorities:
Douglas was assisted in walking from his golf cart and to my vehicle by DFC Di Piazza. Douglas appeared to be stumbling and having a difficult time standing. I read Douglas Miranda as he began to speak over me. I asked Douglas if he would be willing to speak to me about the incident that took place, to which he replied, “No.” With the rear door of my patrol car open, Douglas was advised to sit down in the vehicle. Douglas’ level of intoxication caused him to lose his balance, falling forward and hitting his head on the door. Douglas was assisted to his feet and into the rear compartment of my patrol vehicle. While speaking with Douglas outside of my patrol vehicle, I could smell the odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from his breath. Douglas also appeared to have a flushed face, watery / bloodshot eyes and slurred speech.
From authorities:
While at the hospital, Douglas stated the following “I smoke pot as much as I can.” Douglas also stated, “I waited until no one was around because I didn’t want anyone in the road and to hurt a person.” And “I meant to do it, I did it on purpose, it was the most fun I’ve had in a while.”
Stonis was booked on Sunday for DUI damage to property, DUI, two counts of leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage, one count of disorderly intoxication, and two counts of refusing to accept and sign a summons.
He bonded out, but authorities booked him into jail again the next day on charges including two counts of aggravated assault with intent to commit a felony, a count each of shooting or throwing into vehicle or dwelling, and criminal mischief more than $1,000 damage, court records show.
It is unclear if the additional charges are from the original incident or a separate incident. Law&Crime is seeking the affidavit of probable cause regarding the additional charges. He remains locked up on a $104,000 bond.
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