Marco Island purchasing manager arrested on suspicion of DUI after crash

Marco Island Purchasing and Risk Manager Lina Upham, 35, was arrested Saturday night on a charge of DUI first offense after witnesses said she crossed the center median and crashed her vehicle into the water near Collier Boulevard and Championship Drive.

Collier County Sheriff's Office deputies were dispatched at 4:17 p.m. and found Upham's white Cadillac Escalade partially submerged in the water.

According to the Sheriff's Office report, one witness said Upham was traveling north on Collier Boulevard at a high rate of speed before crossing into oncoming traffic and landing in the water.

Another witness said Upham struck the mangroves before landing in the water, where she was assisted out of her vehicle by a good Samaritan. At that time the person reported he "smelled alcohol on Upham" and described her as having "an unsteady gaze and balance."

Emergency personnel who arrived on the scene also stated Upham told them "she should not have been driving because she had drank too much."

The incident report states Upham told deputies that another person was driving her vehicle while she was performing a sex act on him.

All of the witnesses to the crash, however, stated Upham was the only person in the vehicle, the report states.

During their interaction with Upham at the emergency room, deputies noted "Upham's eyes were bloodshot and glassy, her speech was slurred and it seemed difficult for her to stay focused on one topic, and her movements were slow and labored."

Upham at one point pulled an IV from her arm and attempted to leave.

Deputies placed Upham under arrest and took her to the Naples Jail Center, where she refused a breath test.

Upham was released from jail Sunday after $1,000 bond was posted.

Upham's tenure with Marco Island began eight years ago when she was hired as an intern. 

She was hired full time for a position in the Growth Management Department before shifting to the Finance Department, where she rose to her current rank.

Upham's next court appearance is set for Aug. 1.