Updated

Gainesville Mayor Craig Lowe faces a DUI charge after crashing his vehicle.

The Florida Highway Patrol says the crash happened about 2:20 a.m. Thursday. Alachua County Sheriff's deputies said Lowe appeared intoxicated when they arrived and the 55-year-old mayor told them he fell asleep at the wheel before the crash.

A trooper said Lowe smelled of alcohol and performed poorly on field sobriety tests.

The Gainesville Sun reports Lowe told authorities he had three beers earlier in the evening. He was charged with DUI with property damage and careless driving and taken to jail.

On Tuesday, the mayor won a place in the April 16 runoff in a bid for re-election.

A city of Gainesville statement said officials are aware of the arrest and would have no further comment.