BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2026 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — An Ohio man is facing multiple charges in Palm Beach County this week after a Wednesday evening car crash in Boca Raton led to a DUI investigation. Zachary Neil Barker, 40, of Columbus, was taken into custody by the Boca Raton Police Department following a two-vehicle collision near 400 West Camino Real.
Officers arrived on the scene just before 7:00 p.m. to find a white box truck with Ohio tags and a black Volvo with Massachusetts plates, both sporting significant front-end damage. While the driver of the Volvo was transported to a local hospital for observation, investigators turned their attention to Barker. According to the arrest report obtained by BocaNewsNow.com, officers immediately noticed an ”overwhelming odor of alcohol” coming from Barker, along with slurred speech and bloodshot, watery eyes.
Police say Barker refused to participate in Field Sobriety Exercises. Officers say they warned him that his refusal would force them to base their investigation solely on physical observations. Despite the warning and being read his constitutional rights, Barker remained uncooperative. Officers ultimately determined he was too impaired to safely operate a vehicle and placed him under arrest.
Barker was later transported to the Palm Beach County Jail, where the refusal continued. Records indicate he declined to provide a breath sample for testing, even after being informed of the legal penalties for doing so. He is currently charged with driving under the influence and a first-time refusal to submit to a breath or chemical test. He was released on $1250 bond. A court date is pending.
