Woman accused of burning down 'Senator' tree charged with DUI in Orange County

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The woman who is accused of burning down the historic 'Senator' tree while smoking meth in 2012 has been charged with driving under the influence in Orange County.

Sara Barnes, 28, was arrested by Maitland police Friday evening after she was spotted driving suspiciously on Horatio Avenue, according to an arrest report.

An officer smelled alcohol coming from Barnes and her speech was slurred, police said. Barnes allegedly failed several field sobriety tests.

The arrest report states that on her way to jail Barnes told the officer she "did jail time for burning down the 'Senator' but she actually loves trees." Police said Barnes' blood alcohol level was .192 when she arrived at the Orange County Jail.

Her Seminole County meth possession case connected to the 'Senator' remains open and a hearing is scheduled for March. Barnes is being held at the Orange County Jail and officials there said she'll be taken back to the Seminole County Jail because her arrest is a violation of bond conditions.

WFTV