Monday, June 20, 2011
Motorcyclist hurt in wreck
NORTH PORT- A motorcyclist suffered serious head injuries after a Sunday wreck, authorities said. Shortly before midnight Sunday, Jamey Lee Peyton of the 8500 block of Amberjack Circle was thrown from a 2003 Yamaha while driving east on East Price Boulevard near Orlando Boulevard. North Port Police say neither alcohol nor speed were factors. Paramedics airlifted Peyton to Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg.
Driver in rollover faces DUI charges
SARASOTA COUNTY
- A Bradenton man whose car rolled over when he drove off a ramp of Interstate 75 faces four
criminal charges, including driving under the influence. Sarasota County sheriffs deputies arrested Caleb B. Benson, 25, of the 4400 block of Sanibel Way in Bradenton on charges of DUI causing serious bodily injury and three other charges.
Shortly after 2:30 a.m. Sunday, Benson reportedly drove off the northbound ramp of I -75 at
Fruitville Road. Two of four passengers in Benson's vehicle were injured. The Sheriff’s Office reported that Benson, who was not injured, admitted to previously drinking alcohol at a bar.
- A Bradenton man whose car rolled over when he drove off a ramp of Interstate 75 faces four
criminal charges, including driving under the influence. Sarasota County sheriffs deputies arrested Caleb B. Benson, 25, of the 4400 block of Sanibel Way in Bradenton on charges of DUI causing serious bodily injury and three other charges.
Shortly after 2:30 a.m. Sunday, Benson reportedly drove off the northbound ramp of I -75 at
Fruitville Road. Two of four passengers in Benson's vehicle were injured. The Sheriff’s Office reported that Benson, who was not injured, admitted to previously drinking alcohol at a bar.
Autopsy shows youth had alcohol in system
CRASH KILLED FOUR: But experts say Sean Leonard was not legally impaired
By DALE WHITE
dale. white@heraldtribune.com
SARASOTA COUNTY - An autopsy report shows that the driver of an SUV that crashed in
March, killing him and three other teenagers, had alcohol and marijuana in his system at the
time of the wreck. Yet experts say the results do not indicate that Sean Leonard, 19, was legally impaired. About 5:30 a.m. on March 13, Leonard lost control of a Chevrolet TrailBlazer while driving eastbound on Wilkinson Road. The Florida Highway Patrol, which is still investigating the accident, determined that the SUV was traveling at 99 mph when Leonard failed to negotiate a curve.
The vehicle veered into an oncoming lane, jumped a curb and rolled into a concrete block wall
at Marcott Circle. Also killed were Leonard's three passengers: Andrew Monroe, 19; Kelly Janis, 15; and Leonard's sister, Jessica Leonard, 14.
Dr. Russell Vega, the medical examiner, and Dr. Wilson A. Broussard, who conducted the autopsies, were unavailable for comment Monday. Yet two independent pathologists agreed that the findings do not show that Leonard - whose alcohol level was .01 and .03 in separate tests - was legally intoxicated. Dr. Thomas W. Young, a former medical examiner in Missouri who is a forensic consultant in court cases, described Leonard's alcohol level as "very low" if it was at .01.
In Florida, a driver with a blood-alcohol level of .08 is considered intoxicated.
In Florida, where the legal drinking age is 21, state law is more strict for underage drivers.
According to the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles, any driver under 21 whose alcohol level is .02 or above faces a license suspension for six months. Separate tests show ''byproducts of smoking marijuana" in Leonard's blood, Young said. But the pathologist regarded the amounts of
THC, the hallucinogenic substance in marijuana, to be "not particularly meaningful" and inconclusive as to whether Leonard was high during the wreck. Marijuana byproducts can stay
in the body long after the drug was used, he said. Dr. Stephen Godfrey, also a pathologist and
court expert in Missouri, said Leonard's THC levels show "some cannabis use in the last 24 to 48 hours." Passenger Andrew Monroe,19, had a blood-alcohol level of .13; his liver also tested positive for traces of cannabis, the medical examiner's report stated. Rear-seat passenger Kelly Janis had a blood alcohol level of .05, but no traces of cannabis.
No alcohol or cannabis was found in tests of the other rear-seat passenger, Jessica Leonard.
The accident caused a wave of mourning across the region among young people and adults who
knew the four teenagers. The two girls both attended Sarasota Military Academy. Leonard and
Monroe graduated from Riverview High School in 2010. Monroe's family declined to comment Monday, noting that the FHP had previously said alcohol was not considered a factor in the crash. Calls to the Leonard and Janis homes were not returned.
Sarasota Herald Tribune
Sarasota County
May 24, 2011
By DALE WHITE
dale. white@heraldtribune.com
SARASOTA COUNTY - An autopsy report shows that the driver of an SUV that crashed in
March, killing him and three other teenagers, had alcohol and marijuana in his system at the
time of the wreck. Yet experts say the results do not indicate that Sean Leonard, 19, was legally impaired. About 5:30 a.m. on March 13, Leonard lost control of a Chevrolet TrailBlazer while driving eastbound on Wilkinson Road. The Florida Highway Patrol, which is still investigating the accident, determined that the SUV was traveling at 99 mph when Leonard failed to negotiate a curve.
The vehicle veered into an oncoming lane, jumped a curb and rolled into a concrete block wall
at Marcott Circle. Also killed were Leonard's three passengers: Andrew Monroe, 19; Kelly Janis, 15; and Leonard's sister, Jessica Leonard, 14.
Dr. Russell Vega, the medical examiner, and Dr. Wilson A. Broussard, who conducted the autopsies, were unavailable for comment Monday. Yet two independent pathologists agreed that the findings do not show that Leonard - whose alcohol level was .01 and .03 in separate tests - was legally intoxicated. Dr. Thomas W. Young, a former medical examiner in Missouri who is a forensic consultant in court cases, described Leonard's alcohol level as "very low" if it was at .01.
In Florida, a driver with a blood-alcohol level of .08 is considered intoxicated.
In Florida, where the legal drinking age is 21, state law is more strict for underage drivers.
According to the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles, any driver under 21 whose alcohol level is .02 or above faces a license suspension for six months. Separate tests show ''byproducts of smoking marijuana" in Leonard's blood, Young said. But the pathologist regarded the amounts of
THC, the hallucinogenic substance in marijuana, to be "not particularly meaningful" and inconclusive as to whether Leonard was high during the wreck. Marijuana byproducts can stay
in the body long after the drug was used, he said. Dr. Stephen Godfrey, also a pathologist and
court expert in Missouri, said Leonard's THC levels show "some cannabis use in the last 24 to 48 hours." Passenger Andrew Monroe,19, had a blood-alcohol level of .13; his liver also tested positive for traces of cannabis, the medical examiner's report stated. Rear-seat passenger Kelly Janis had a blood alcohol level of .05, but no traces of cannabis.
No alcohol or cannabis was found in tests of the other rear-seat passenger, Jessica Leonard.
The accident caused a wave of mourning across the region among young people and adults who
knew the four teenagers. The two girls both attended Sarasota Military Academy. Leonard and
Monroe graduated from Riverview High School in 2010. Monroe's family declined to comment Monday, noting that the FHP had previously said alcohol was not considered a factor in the crash. Calls to the Leonard and Janis homes were not returned.
Sarasota Herald Tribune
Sarasota County
May 24, 2011
Motorcyclist killed was Lehigh man
FORT MYERS
Fort Myers police have identified the man killed in a motorcycle crash Sunday morning as Rafael Vaca Vazquez, 25, of Lehigh Acres.
The crash occurred at 1:32 a.m. at the intersection of Jackson Street and Dora Street Police said VacaVazquez was not wearing a helmet when he was thrown from the motorcycle.
No other vehicles are believed to have been involved in the crash, which is under investigation.
Ft Myers News Press
Lee County
May 24, 2011
Fort Myers police have identified the man killed in a motorcycle crash Sunday morning as Rafael Vaca Vazquez, 25, of Lehigh Acres.
The crash occurred at 1:32 a.m. at the intersection of Jackson Street and Dora Street Police said VacaVazquez was not wearing a helmet when he was thrown from the motorcycle.
No other vehicles are believed to have been involved in the crash, which is under investigation.
Ft Myers News Press
Lee County
May 24, 2011
Man, 76, dies after crash of motorcycle
A 76-year-old Jacksonville man died at Florida Hospital Flagler after crashing his new trike on Interstate 95, the Florida Highway Patrol said Friday. John R. Tucker Jr. was traveling
north on the interstate north of the Palm Coast Parkway exit on his three-wheeled motorcycle
Tuesday when he tried to pass a tractor-trailer and lost control, an FHP report states. He side-swiped the guardrail and was ejected over it. Tucker was transported to the hospital and later pronounced dead.
A friend told troopers that Tucker had just purchased the trike and was not familiar with
that style of motorcycle.
Daytona Beach
News Journal
Volusia County
May 21, 2011
north on the interstate north of the Palm Coast Parkway exit on his three-wheeled motorcycle
Tuesday when he tried to pass a tractor-trailer and lost control, an FHP report states. He side-swiped the guardrail and was ejected over it. Tucker was transported to the hospital and later pronounced dead.
A friend told troopers that Tucker had just purchased the trike and was not familiar with
that style of motorcycle.
Daytona Beach
News Journal
Volusia County
May 21, 2011
Biker dies after crashing into mailbox
A 29-year-old Port Orange man speeding through a residential neighborhood to work just after
7 a.m. Tuesday was killed after he lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into a mailbox,
South Daytona police said. Stephen Picard was heading north on Anastasia Drive at an
estimated 60 mph when he lost control of his 2005 Suzuki sport bike at Sherman Road, police
said. The speed limit on Anastasia is 25 mph.
After Picard struck the mailbox at a residence, he and the bike tumbled and flipped, landing
in the driveway of another house, said Sgt. Denny Pierson. "He was wearing a helmet, but
he was killed right there," Pierson said.
The impact knocked Picard's helmet off, police said.
Daytona Beach
News Journal
Volusia Cournty
May 25, 2011
7 a.m. Tuesday was killed after he lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into a mailbox,
South Daytona police said. Stephen Picard was heading north on Anastasia Drive at an
estimated 60 mph when he lost control of his 2005 Suzuki sport bike at Sherman Road, police
said. The speed limit on Anastasia is 25 mph.
After Picard struck the mailbox at a residence, he and the bike tumbled and flipped, landing
in the driveway of another house, said Sgt. Denny Pierson. "He was wearing a helmet, but
he was killed right there," Pierson said.
The impact knocked Picard's helmet off, police said.
Daytona Beach
News Journal
Volusia Cournty
May 25, 2011
Collision kills biker on Curry Ford Road
ORANGE COUNTY
Collision kills biker on Curry Ford Road
A motorcyclist died Monday night after crashing into another vehicle on Curry Ford Road, the Florida Highway Patrol said. Giovanni Ocasio, 33, of Orlando, was riding a 2004 Yamaha motorcycle east about 10:02 p.m. when he struck another vehicle that was trying to cross the
eastbound lanes. Ocasio and his bike came to rest just east of the intersection with Andover Cay
Boulevard. He died at the scene. Cynthia Walker, 53, of Orlando, was driving the 2010 Hyundai SUV hit by Ocasio. She and her passenger, 74-year-old Carmen Walker of Maryville, Tenn., were not hurt, the FHP said. The crash was under investigation Tuesday.
Anika Myers Palm
Orlando Sentinel
Orange County
May 20, 2011
Collision kills biker on Curry Ford Road
A motorcyclist died Monday night after crashing into another vehicle on Curry Ford Road, the Florida Highway Patrol said. Giovanni Ocasio, 33, of Orlando, was riding a 2004 Yamaha motorcycle east about 10:02 p.m. when he struck another vehicle that was trying to cross the
eastbound lanes. Ocasio and his bike came to rest just east of the intersection with Andover Cay
Boulevard. He died at the scene. Cynthia Walker, 53, of Orlando, was driving the 2010 Hyundai SUV hit by Ocasio. She and her passenger, 74-year-old Carmen Walker of Maryville, Tenn., were not hurt, the FHP said. The crash was under investigation Tuesday.
Anika Myers Palm
Orlando Sentinel
Orange County
May 20, 2011
Crash fatal to driver hit leaving Walmart
ORANGE COUNTY
A driver leaving a Walmart was hit by a sport-utility vehicle early Thursday and died at a hospital, the Florida Highway Patrol said. Marie Pierre Canel 26, of Orlando, was turning left to leave the store at 8990 Turkey Lake Road and drove her 2001 Pontiac Sunfire into the path of
a 2002 Chevrolet Suburban driven by Kirsten West, 37, of Ocoee, investigators said Canel died later at Orlando Regional Medical Center, troopers said. West was taken to ORMC in serious condition.
- Susan Jacobson
Orlando Sentinel
Orange County
May 21, 2011
A driver leaving a Walmart was hit by a sport-utility vehicle early Thursday and died at a hospital, the Florida Highway Patrol said. Marie Pierre Canel 26, of Orlando, was turning left to leave the store at 8990 Turkey Lake Road and drove her 2001 Pontiac Sunfire into the path of
a 2002 Chevrolet Suburban driven by Kirsten West, 37, of Ocoee, investigators said Canel died later at Orlando Regional Medical Center, troopers said. West was taken to ORMC in serious condition.
- Susan Jacobson
Orlando Sentinel
Orange County
May 21, 2011
3 dead in head-on crash of truck, car
ORANGE COUNTY
Three men died early Friday when a 1989 Chevrolet pickup truck crashed head-on into a 2001 Toyota Corolla on Orange Blossom Trail in Apopka. The man driving the wrong-way truck just before 1 a.m. was dead at the scene near Sprint Boulevard. As of Friday night the Florida Highway Patrol had not been able to identify him. The driver of the Toyota, Charles Richard Diaz III, 21, and his passenger, Daniel Francis Morgan, 21, both of
Apopka, also died at the scene.
- Anika Myers Palm
Three men died early Friday when a 1989 Chevrolet pickup truck crashed head-on into a 2001 Toyota Corolla on Orange Blossom Trail in Apopka. The man driving the wrong-way truck just before 1 a.m. was dead at the scene near Sprint Boulevard. As of Friday night the Florida Highway Patrol had not been able to identify him. The driver of the Toyota, Charles Richard Diaz III, 21, and his passenger, Daniel Francis Morgan, 21, both of
Apopka, also died at the scene.
- Anika Myers Palm
Crash leaves one in serious condition:
MADISON
A 48-year-old woman is in serious condition after a crash in Madison County on Sunday. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Michael Browning, 47, was traveling west on State Road 14 in a 2007 Chevrolet pickup in Madison County around 11 a.m. when he turned left in front of Randy Wyatt, 52, and his 2008 Toyota four-door. Ann-Marie Wyatt, 48, a passenger in the Toyota, was taken to Madison Hospital with serious injuries. The two drivers were not injured. All three were from Madison. Madison County Deputy David Myers and Madison County EMS assisted.
Democrat staff reports
Tallahassee Democrat
Leon County
May 18, 2011
A 48-year-old woman is in serious condition after a crash in Madison County on Sunday. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Michael Browning, 47, was traveling west on State Road 14 in a 2007 Chevrolet pickup in Madison County around 11 a.m. when he turned left in front of Randy Wyatt, 52, and his 2008 Toyota four-door. Ann-Marie Wyatt, 48, a passenger in the Toyota, was taken to Madison Hospital with serious injuries. The two drivers were not injured. All three were from Madison. Madison County Deputy David Myers and Madison County EMS assisted.
Democrat staff reports
Tallahassee Democrat
Leon County
May 18, 2011
Minivan, SUV collide; four sent to hospital
MlAMl
An elderly man was seriously hurt when an accident threw him from his minivan on Sunday
afternoon, according to a spokesman for Miami Fire-Rescue. The man, who is in his 70s, was taken to Ryder Trauma Center, and three other adults were taken to hospitals with minor injuries. The victims' names were not released. The two-car accident happened just after 1 p.m. Sunday at Northwest 12th Avenue and 71st Street, said Lt. Ignatius Carroll. An SUV collided with the minivan, sending it skidding through a fence and onto a sports field at Miami Northwestern Senior High School.
Two children, ages 5 and 7, in the SUV were unhurt, Carroll said, because they were in car
seats. "We were surprised to see kids that age in car seats, but as a result they were able to walk
away from that accident without a scratch,'' he said.
Ariel Barkhurst
Sun Sentinel
Broward County
May 30, 2011
An elderly man was seriously hurt when an accident threw him from his minivan on Sunday
afternoon, according to a spokesman for Miami Fire-Rescue. The man, who is in his 70s, was taken to Ryder Trauma Center, and three other adults were taken to hospitals with minor injuries. The victims' names were not released. The two-car accident happened just after 1 p.m. Sunday at Northwest 12th Avenue and 71st Street, said Lt. Ignatius Carroll. An SUV collided with the minivan, sending it skidding through a fence and onto a sports field at Miami Northwestern Senior High School.
Two children, ages 5 and 7, in the SUV were unhurt, Carroll said, because they were in car
seats. "We were surprised to see kids that age in car seats, but as a result they were able to walk
away from that accident without a scratch,'' he said.
Ariel Barkhurst
Sun Sentinel
Broward County
May 30, 2011
Two in hospital after Friday crash
PUTNAM COUNTY-
Two Ocala residents were transported to a Putnam hospital on Friday night after the vehicle they were traveling in struck a utility pole, causing the pole to fall and temporarily knocking out electricity in the area, Florida Highway Patrol troopers say. FHP officials in Putnam County said Sheena Bowermaster, 24, and Christopher Isherwood, 29, were in a 2003 Jeep Liberty when Bowermaster, who was the driver, lost control of the vehicle and it drove onto the west grass shoulder. Bowermaster then overcorrected, authorities said, by steering sharply to the left, and the vehicle slid sideways on the shoulder and the rear struck a power pole, causing the upper portion to snap and fall onto the roadway. Power to portions of the Interlachen area was
disconnected, and Florida Power and Light officials were called to replace the pole and restore power to the area. The roadway was closed due to a power line lying in the roadway.
The accident occurred on County Road 315, just north of 64th Street in Interlachen. Both occupants, who were wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash, were transported
to Putnam Community Hospital with minor injuries.
Ocala Star Banner
Marion County
June 2, 2011
Two Ocala residents were transported to a Putnam hospital on Friday night after the vehicle they were traveling in struck a utility pole, causing the pole to fall and temporarily knocking out electricity in the area, Florida Highway Patrol troopers say. FHP officials in Putnam County said Sheena Bowermaster, 24, and Christopher Isherwood, 29, were in a 2003 Jeep Liberty when Bowermaster, who was the driver, lost control of the vehicle and it drove onto the west grass shoulder. Bowermaster then overcorrected, authorities said, by steering sharply to the left, and the vehicle slid sideways on the shoulder and the rear struck a power pole, causing the upper portion to snap and fall onto the roadway. Power to portions of the Interlachen area was
disconnected, and Florida Power and Light officials were called to replace the pole and restore power to the area. The roadway was closed due to a power line lying in the roadway.
The accident occurred on County Road 315, just north of 64th Street in Interlachen. Both occupants, who were wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash, were transported
to Putnam Community Hospital with minor injuries.
Ocala Star Banner
Marion County
June 2, 2011
Deputy in hospital after Thursday crash
FHP says his patrol car collided with another car while enroute to a call.
By Karen Voyles
Staff writer
A Levy County sheriff’s deputy from Dunnellon was seriously injured when his marked patrol
car caught fire following a Thursday night crash. The Florida Highway Patrol said Cpl. Brian
Christopher Marra, 36, was taken to Shands at the University of Florida in serious condition following the 10:10 p.m. crash on Alt. U.S. 27 in Bronson. Marra is being housed in intensive care. The other driver involved, Jeremy J. Mayes, 20, of Bronson, was at the wheel of a 1992 Ford four-door and was not injured, troopers said. FHP Sgt. Tracy Hisler-Pace said Marra was
headed west to a call and came up behind Mayes in the inside lane. The trooper said both Marra
and Mayes tried to move to the outside Lane at the same time. As a result, the left front of the patrol car hit the right side of the Ford. After the collision, the patrol car began to spin and the front of it hit a concrete utility pole. As the patrol car began to burn, several passersby stopped to help get Marra out of the car and away from the flames. Sheriff's spokesman Maj. Evan Sullivan said Marra was on his way to a disturbance call. Sullivan also said that Marra remained in the intensive care unit at Shands on Friday with injuries that included a broken leg. Hisler-Pace said charges in the case are pending further investigation.
Ocala Star Banner
Marion County
May 28, 2011
By Karen Voyles
Staff writer
A Levy County sheriff’s deputy from Dunnellon was seriously injured when his marked patrol
car caught fire following a Thursday night crash. The Florida Highway Patrol said Cpl. Brian
Christopher Marra, 36, was taken to Shands at the University of Florida in serious condition following the 10:10 p.m. crash on Alt. U.S. 27 in Bronson. Marra is being housed in intensive care. The other driver involved, Jeremy J. Mayes, 20, of Bronson, was at the wheel of a 1992 Ford four-door and was not injured, troopers said. FHP Sgt. Tracy Hisler-Pace said Marra was
headed west to a call and came up behind Mayes in the inside lane. The trooper said both Marra
and Mayes tried to move to the outside Lane at the same time. As a result, the left front of the patrol car hit the right side of the Ford. After the collision, the patrol car began to spin and the front of it hit a concrete utility pole. As the patrol car began to burn, several passersby stopped to help get Marra out of the car and away from the flames. Sheriff's spokesman Maj. Evan Sullivan said Marra was on his way to a disturbance call. Sullivan also said that Marra remained in the intensive care unit at Shands on Friday with injuries that included a broken leg. Hisler-Pace said charges in the case are pending further investigation.
Ocala Star Banner
Marion County
May 28, 2011
Woman indicted in biker's death
Woman indicted in biker's death
By TONY HOLT
Hernando Today
BROOKSVILLE >> Grand jurors on Tuesday indicted a 21-year-old Spring Hill woman on murder and aggravated fleeing charges. Brittany Elizabeth Miles was arrested following a
May 10 accident near County Line Road that killed a motorcyclist. Moments prior to the
accident, Miles escaped arrest along U.S. 19 in Hudson after a Pasco County sheriffs deputy
had her in custody under suspicion of DUI, authorities said. Before her pickup could be towed from the scene, Miles escaped from the back of a sheriffs cruiser, got into her vehicle and fled north along the highway while dragging the deputy a couple hundred feet, according to the Pasco
County Sheriffs Office. During her escape - and while deputies were in pursuit - she plowed
into 67-year-old Henry F. McCain as he was crossing the highway on his motorcycle, deputies said. Miles continued driving a short distance and attempted to elude deputies on foot, but she was arrested near Spring Hill Drive, according to the sheriffs office. The Pasco deputy who was clinging to Miles' vehicle in an attempt to stop her from escaping was hospitalized, but later released, deputies said. Assistant State Attomey Pete Magrino said because Miles killed McCain during the commission of other felonies - including escape and resisting arrest with violence - her most severe charge was upgraded to first-degree murder. Magrino said the State Attorney's Office will not pursue the death penalty against Miles. She faces other charges in Pasco County. Jail records show she was on probation for a drug charge when the accident took place.
The Hernando County case likely will be handled by Assistant State Attorney Bill Catto, said Magrino. Catto, who works out of the Citrus County office, prosecutes the majority of traffic-related homicide cases in the Fifth Judicial Circuit. Miles is scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday in Hernando County Circuit Court. She is expected to be represented by an attorney out of Daytona Beach.
Reporter Tony Holt can be reached at 352-544-5283 or wholt@hernandotoday.com.
Tampa Tribune
Pasco edition
June 2, 2011
By TONY HOLT
Hernando Today
BROOKSVILLE >> Grand jurors on Tuesday indicted a 21-year-old Spring Hill woman on murder and aggravated fleeing charges. Brittany Elizabeth Miles was arrested following a
May 10 accident near County Line Road that killed a motorcyclist. Moments prior to the
accident, Miles escaped arrest along U.S. 19 in Hudson after a Pasco County sheriffs deputy
had her in custody under suspicion of DUI, authorities said. Before her pickup could be towed from the scene, Miles escaped from the back of a sheriffs cruiser, got into her vehicle and fled north along the highway while dragging the deputy a couple hundred feet, according to the Pasco
County Sheriffs Office. During her escape - and while deputies were in pursuit - she plowed
into 67-year-old Henry F. McCain as he was crossing the highway on his motorcycle, deputies said. Miles continued driving a short distance and attempted to elude deputies on foot, but she was arrested near Spring Hill Drive, according to the sheriffs office. The Pasco deputy who was clinging to Miles' vehicle in an attempt to stop her from escaping was hospitalized, but later released, deputies said. Assistant State Attomey Pete Magrino said because Miles killed McCain during the commission of other felonies - including escape and resisting arrest with violence - her most severe charge was upgraded to first-degree murder. Magrino said the State Attorney's Office will not pursue the death penalty against Miles. She faces other charges in Pasco County. Jail records show she was on probation for a drug charge when the accident took place.
The Hernando County case likely will be handled by Assistant State Attorney Bill Catto, said Magrino. Catto, who works out of the Citrus County office, prosecutes the majority of traffic-related homicide cases in the Fifth Judicial Circuit. Miles is scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday in Hernando County Circuit Court. She is expected to be represented by an attorney out of Daytona Beach.
Reporter Tony Holt can be reached at 352-544-5283 or wholt@hernandotoday.com.
Tampa Tribune
Pasco edition
June 2, 2011
Bus backs over, kills 20-year-old
PLANT CITY
Bus backs over, kills 20-year-old
A woman was killed Wednesday after being struck by a school bus about to start its route, police said. The Hillsborough County School District bus was being backed out of a field in the 600 block of E Cherry Street at about 5:30 a.m. when it hit 20-year-old Isabel Martinez, police said. Martinez had crawled under the bus sometime during the night but police are unsure why. The bus is parked overnight at the longtime bus driver's home in Plant City, said Steve Hegarty, a schools spokesman. He said the driver had backed up a few feet when she heard a noise that sounded like she had run something over. She found the body and called 911.
Bus backs over, kills 20-year-old
A woman was killed Wednesday after being struck by a school bus about to start its route, police said. The Hillsborough County School District bus was being backed out of a field in the 600 block of E Cherry Street at about 5:30 a.m. when it hit 20-year-old Isabel Martinez, police said. Martinez had crawled under the bus sometime during the night but police are unsure why. The bus is parked overnight at the longtime bus driver's home in Plant City, said Steve Hegarty, a schools spokesman. He said the driver had backed up a few feet when she heard a noise that sounded like she had run something over. She found the body and called 911.
Police: Car runs red light, kills man
VOLUSIA COUNTY
Police: Car runs red light, kills man
A 56-year-old Port Orange motorcyclist was killed Sunday when a car ran a stoplight near
Daytona Beach and drove into his path, the Florida Highway Patrol said. William Lee
Hughes was northbound on Tomoka Farms Road about 3:35p.m. when a 2007 Chevrolet
driven by Lakecia Harris, 31, of DeLand, ran the light as she drove west on International
Speedway Boulevard, troopers said. The BMW motorcycle hit the left front fender of the
Chevrolet, the highway patrol said. Hughes, who was wearing a helmet, was thrown from the
bike. Harris sustained minorinjuries.
Susan Jacobson
Orlando Sentinel
Orange County
May 31, 2011
Police: Car runs red light, kills man
A 56-year-old Port Orange motorcyclist was killed Sunday when a car ran a stoplight near
Daytona Beach and drove into his path, the Florida Highway Patrol said. William Lee
Hughes was northbound on Tomoka Farms Road about 3:35p.m. when a 2007 Chevrolet
driven by Lakecia Harris, 31, of DeLand, ran the light as she drove west on International
Speedway Boulevard, troopers said. The BMW motorcycle hit the left front fender of the
Chevrolet, the highway patrol said. Hughes, who was wearing a helmet, was thrown from the
bike. Harris sustained minorinjuries.
Susan Jacobson
Orlando Sentinel
Orange County
May 31, 2011
Police: Car runs red light, kills man
VOLUSIA COUNTY
Police: Car runs red light, kills man
A 56-year-old Port Orange motorcyclist was killed Sunday when a car ran a stoplight near
Daytona Beach and drove into his path, the Florida Highway Patrol said. William Lee
Hughes was northbound on Tomoka Farms Road about 3:35p.m. when a 2007 Chevrolet
driven by Lakecia Harris, 31, of DeLand, ran the light as she drove west on International
Speedway Boulevard, troopers said. The BMW motorcycle hit the left front fender of the
Chevrolet, the highway patrol said. Hughes, who was wearing a helmet, was thrown from the
bike. Harris sustained minorinjuries.
Police: Car runs red light, kills man
A 56-year-old Port Orange motorcyclist was killed Sunday when a car ran a stoplight near
Daytona Beach and drove into his path, the Florida Highway Patrol said. William Lee
Hughes was northbound on Tomoka Farms Road about 3:35p.m. when a 2007 Chevrolet
driven by Lakecia Harris, 31, of DeLand, ran the light as she drove west on International
Speedway Boulevard, troopers said. The BMW motorcycle hit the left front fender of the
Chevrolet, the highway patrol said. Hughes, who was wearing a helmet, was thrown from the
bike. Harris sustained minorinjuries.
Susan Jacobson
Orlando Sentinel
Orange County
May 31, 2011
Orlando Sentinel
Orange County
May 31, 2011
Biker, driver are killed in crashes
ORANGE COUNTY
Biker, driver are killed in crashes
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the deaths of a motorcyclist and a driver in separate crashes Tuesday night. The first death occurred shortly before 8:30p.m. when a motorcyclist struck the back of a Ford pickup that pulled out in front of it on Colonial Drive near Grayson Drive, in the Union Park area east of Orlando.
The motorcyclist died at Florida Hospital East, said FHP spokeswoman Sgt. Kim Montes.
The driver was hit by a barbecue that flew off a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction about 10:30 p.m. in the 400 block of DeLeon Avenue, not far from the intersection of John Young Parkway and Old Winter Garden Road.
David Breen
Orlando Sentinel
Orange County
June 1, 2011
Biker, driver are killed in crashes
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the deaths of a motorcyclist and a driver in separate crashes Tuesday night. The first death occurred shortly before 8:30p.m. when a motorcyclist struck the back of a Ford pickup that pulled out in front of it on Colonial Drive near Grayson Drive, in the Union Park area east of Orlando.
The motorcyclist died at Florida Hospital East, said FHP spokeswoman Sgt. Kim Montes.
The driver was hit by a barbecue that flew off a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction about 10:30 p.m. in the 400 block of DeLeon Avenue, not far from the intersection of John Young Parkway and Old Winter Garden Road.
David Breen
Orlando Sentinel
Orange County
June 1, 2011
Vernon woman among Panama City crash injuries
Vernon woman among Panama City crash injuries
By Felicia Kitzmiller
Florida Freedom Newspapers
PANAMA CITY BEACH- Two people were seriously injured in a multi-vehicle wreck at the intersection of Back Beach Road and Hills Road early Thursday morning. According to a crash report from the Panama City Beach Police Department, Jamison Thomas-Earl Wood was intoxicated when he crashed into the rear of two motorcycles waiting to turn onto Back Beach Road (U.S. 98) at the stop sign on Hills Road. Matthew Tomasello, 24, of Mattoon, Ill., and Christie Michelle Anderson, 21, of Gainesville, were thrown from Tomasello's 2009 Kawasaki
motorcycle when they were hit by Wood, the report said. The second motorcycle, driven by Zachary Major, age unknown, of Vernon, and also ridden by passenger Kaitlyn Dover, 18, of
Murrayville, Ga., was struck either by Wood's vehicle or Tomasello's motorcycle.
None of the motorcyclists were wearing helmets. After hitting the motorcycles, police said Wood's vehicle, a 1996 Dodge pickup, continued into the intersection, striking a car traveling
east on Back Beach Road occupied by 21-year-old Wesley Pickenpaugh and 19-year-old Coralanne Embroski, both of Greenwood Circle in Panama City Beach. The car traveled into the
median, where it flipped "one or two times," and landed on its roof, the report said. Wood, 23, of Pinewood Drive in Panama City Beach, had a blood alcohol level of 0.196 and was charged with
driving under the influence, open container, driving with a suspended license, driving with an expired registration and failing to stop at a stop sign.
Tomasello and Pickenpaugh were taken by ambulance to Bay Medical Center. Tomasello's condition was not immediately available and Pickenpaugh was listed in serious condition in the intensive care unit.
Washington County News
Chipley
May 28, 2011
By Felicia Kitzmiller
Florida Freedom Newspapers
PANAMA CITY BEACH- Two people were seriously injured in a multi-vehicle wreck at the intersection of Back Beach Road and Hills Road early Thursday morning. According to a crash report from the Panama City Beach Police Department, Jamison Thomas-Earl Wood was intoxicated when he crashed into the rear of two motorcycles waiting to turn onto Back Beach Road (U.S. 98) at the stop sign on Hills Road. Matthew Tomasello, 24, of Mattoon, Ill., and Christie Michelle Anderson, 21, of Gainesville, were thrown from Tomasello's 2009 Kawasaki
motorcycle when they were hit by Wood, the report said. The second motorcycle, driven by Zachary Major, age unknown, of Vernon, and also ridden by passenger Kaitlyn Dover, 18, of
Murrayville, Ga., was struck either by Wood's vehicle or Tomasello's motorcycle.
None of the motorcyclists were wearing helmets. After hitting the motorcycles, police said Wood's vehicle, a 1996 Dodge pickup, continued into the intersection, striking a car traveling
east on Back Beach Road occupied by 21-year-old Wesley Pickenpaugh and 19-year-old Coralanne Embroski, both of Greenwood Circle in Panama City Beach. The car traveled into the
median, where it flipped "one or two times," and landed on its roof, the report said. Wood, 23, of Pinewood Drive in Panama City Beach, had a blood alcohol level of 0.196 and was charged with
driving under the influence, open container, driving with a suspended license, driving with an expired registration and failing to stop at a stop sign.
Tomasello and Pickenpaugh were taken by ambulance to Bay Medical Center. Tomasello's condition was not immediately available and Pickenpaugh was listed in serious condition in the intensive care unit.
Washington County News
Chipley
May 28, 2011
Three injured in head-on crash
NEWS BRIEFS
Three injured in head-on crash
Three people remained in critical condition late Friday following a head-on car crash Thursday at mile marker 64.5 of U.S. 1, on the Long Key Bridge. Robb Cagle, 27, and Sarah Cagle, 29, both of
Goodletsville, Tenn., and Jessi Thornton, 19, of West Palm Beach were all flown to the Ryder Trauma Center in Miami following the 10 a.m. crash. The Florida Highway Patrol says Robb Cagle, driving a 2011 Nissan with Sarah as a passenger, caused the crash.
"Witnesses stated [Cagle 's car] was passing numerous vehicles as it was traveling south in the
northbound lane," Trooper David Riso wrote in a report.
Thornton, in the northbound lane, "attempted · to avoid the collision by steering [his 2011 Kia] to the right side of the bridge and almost up against the concrete wall."
But the two cars' left fronts collided, with the impact rotating both and forcing them into the
southbound lane, where they came to a rest. Combined damage to the two autos is $27,000,
Riso wrote.
Monroe County
May 21, 2011
Three injured in head-on crash
Three people remained in critical condition late Friday following a head-on car crash Thursday at mile marker 64.5 of U.S. 1, on the Long Key Bridge. Robb Cagle, 27, and Sarah Cagle, 29, both of
Goodletsville, Tenn., and Jessi Thornton, 19, of West Palm Beach were all flown to the Ryder Trauma Center in Miami following the 10 a.m. crash. The Florida Highway Patrol says Robb Cagle, driving a 2011 Nissan with Sarah as a passenger, caused the crash.
"Witnesses stated [Cagle 's car] was passing numerous vehicles as it was traveling south in the
northbound lane," Trooper David Riso wrote in a report.
Thornton, in the northbound lane, "attempted · to avoid the collision by steering [his 2011 Kia] to the right side of the bridge and almost up against the concrete wall."
But the two cars' left fronts collided, with the impact rotating both and forcing them into the
southbound lane, where they came to a rest. Combined damage to the two autos is $27,000,
Riso wrote.
Monroe County
May 21, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Motorcycle Crash Injures Two
A Lee man and a Madison woman were seriously injured in a motorcycle accident in Suwannee County on Sunday, May 15. According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, Randall Scott, 53, of
Suwanee, and his passenger, Retta Raggins, 49, of Madison, were flown by helicopter to Shands in Gainesville with serious injuries.
The wreck occurred in the southern part of Suwannee County.
By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc
Madison County Carrier
May 25, 2011
Suwanee, and his passenger, Retta Raggins, 49, of Madison, were flown by helicopter to Shands in Gainesville with serious injuries.
The wreck occurred in the southern part of Suwannee County.
By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc
Madison County Carrier
May 25, 2011
Bike rider hurt after colliding with car in Hosford Saturday
A 21-year-old Hosford resident was taken to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital by emergency
helicopter after his bicycle collided with a car Saturday afternoon.
Marvin M. Staton was riding south on Shuler Street around 5:27 p.m. when he failed to heed a stop sign at a four-way intersection and rode into the path of a westbound car on Roberts
Street, according to FHP Trooper Jason King. The bike rider was struck by the right front of a 1996 Mercury Cougar driven by Steve Allen Kirkpatrick of Hosford. Staton was ejected
from the bike, thrown onto the windshield and then fell to the ground at the northeast corner of the intersection. Emergency workers arrived at the scene to find Stanton unresponsive and
he was transported to the landing zone by ambulance after reportedly suffering incapacitating injuries. "He was cut, bleeding and banged up all over from where he hit the windshield," the trooper said.
When contacted Monday, the hospital said Staton had already been discharged. Charges are pending.
by Teresa Eubanks,
Journal Editor
Calhoun Liberty Journal
Bristol
May 25,2011
helicopter after his bicycle collided with a car Saturday afternoon.
Marvin M. Staton was riding south on Shuler Street around 5:27 p.m. when he failed to heed a stop sign at a four-way intersection and rode into the path of a westbound car on Roberts
Street, according to FHP Trooper Jason King. The bike rider was struck by the right front of a 1996 Mercury Cougar driven by Steve Allen Kirkpatrick of Hosford. Staton was ejected
from the bike, thrown onto the windshield and then fell to the ground at the northeast corner of the intersection. Emergency workers arrived at the scene to find Stanton unresponsive and
he was transported to the landing zone by ambulance after reportedly suffering incapacitating injuries. "He was cut, bleeding and banged up all over from where he hit the windshield," the trooper said.
When contacted Monday, the hospital said Staton had already been discharged. Charges are pending.
by Teresa Eubanks,
Journal Editor
Calhoun Liberty Journal
Bristol
May 25,2011
Pedestrian killed in crash
A pedestrian was hit and killed by a truck Sunday night while trying to cross Pensacola Boulevard. About 8:10 p.m. Sunday, Heriberto Ponce, 61, of Miami, walked into the path of a northbound truck while attempting to cross the six-lane divided highway near Milstead Street, according to a Florida Highway Patrol report. The Dodge pickup truck, driven by Roy Phillips, 69, of Pensacola struck and killed Ponce.
No charges were filed against Phillips. The northbound lanes of Pensacola Boulevard were closed for two hours Sunday night during the accident investigation.
Pensacola News Journal
Escambia County
May 24, 2011
No charges were filed against Phillips. The northbound lanes of Pensacola Boulevard were closed for two hours Sunday night during the accident investigation.
Pensacola News Journal
Escambia County
May 24, 2011
Lakes hit-and-run victim: 'Come save me'
Damaged Ford F-150 sought after woman hurt
LAUDERDALE LAKES – Trapped in the wreckage of her car, Miriam Reid could only reach the cellphone she kept on a cord around her neck. She called her older brother, "Come save me," said the 20-year-old nursing student. From the family's house just blocks away, Emmanuel Reid, 24, and his brother David, 22, rushed to the 4800 block of West Oakland Park Boulevard.
They saw their sister pinned in a mass of twisted metal. "I don't even remember what I said to her," said David Reid. ''I just started praying." The driver of the Ford F-150 pickup
truck that collided with Reid's car at about 2p.m. Saturday fled the scene,
witnesses told Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies.
Within minutes of the brothers' arrival, Broward Sheriffs Fire Rescue crews showed up to begin what turned out to be a complex extracation. Using hydraulic tools and metal saws, rescuers
cut off the top of the red Toyota Corolla, removed the door and pried the dashboard from Reid's legs. After 30 minutes of work, she was freed and taken to Broward General Medical Center, where she remained on Sunday. She was in stable condition and recovering from surgery to repair her shattered right leg, said her father, Charles Reid.
A month away from graduating from a nursing program at Atlantic Technical Center in Coconut Creek, Miriam Reid was en route to pick up her mother at a friend's house when the truck collided with her westbound car. The crash propelled her Toyota through a chain-link fence and head-on into a tree. Charles Reid said his daughter is alive only because she was wearing a seat belt and the car's airbags deployed. She knows she is lucky to have survived, her family said.
"She just kept telling me last night that she couldn't believe the guy hit her and just ran off like that,'' said David Reid. "She could have been dead.''
Police on Sunday were looking for the Ford F-150 pickup truck, described as having tinted windows and significant front-end damage. "I hope they arrest this guy soon," said Charles
Reid, 51. ''He's dangerous. They need to get him off the road and lock him up before someone else gets hurt." Officials ask anyone with information to call the Broward Sheriff's Office at 954-765-4321 or Broward CrimeStoppers, anonymously, at 954-493-TlPS (8477).
By Mike Clary
STAFF WRITER
Staff researcher Barbara
Hijek contributed to this report.
Sun Sentinel
Broward County
May 30, 2011
LAUDERDALE LAKES – Trapped in the wreckage of her car, Miriam Reid could only reach the cellphone she kept on a cord around her neck. She called her older brother, "Come save me," said the 20-year-old nursing student. From the family's house just blocks away, Emmanuel Reid, 24, and his brother David, 22, rushed to the 4800 block of West Oakland Park Boulevard.
They saw their sister pinned in a mass of twisted metal. "I don't even remember what I said to her," said David Reid. ''I just started praying." The driver of the Ford F-150 pickup
truck that collided with Reid's car at about 2p.m. Saturday fled the scene,
witnesses told Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies.
Within minutes of the brothers' arrival, Broward Sheriffs Fire Rescue crews showed up to begin what turned out to be a complex extracation. Using hydraulic tools and metal saws, rescuers
cut off the top of the red Toyota Corolla, removed the door and pried the dashboard from Reid's legs. After 30 minutes of work, she was freed and taken to Broward General Medical Center, where she remained on Sunday. She was in stable condition and recovering from surgery to repair her shattered right leg, said her father, Charles Reid.
A month away from graduating from a nursing program at Atlantic Technical Center in Coconut Creek, Miriam Reid was en route to pick up her mother at a friend's house when the truck collided with her westbound car. The crash propelled her Toyota through a chain-link fence and head-on into a tree. Charles Reid said his daughter is alive only because she was wearing a seat belt and the car's airbags deployed. She knows she is lucky to have survived, her family said.
"She just kept telling me last night that she couldn't believe the guy hit her and just ran off like that,'' said David Reid. "She could have been dead.''
Police on Sunday were looking for the Ford F-150 pickup truck, described as having tinted windows and significant front-end damage. "I hope they arrest this guy soon," said Charles
Reid, 51. ''He's dangerous. They need to get him off the road and lock him up before someone else gets hurt." Officials ask anyone with information to call the Broward Sheriff's Office at 954-765-4321 or Broward CrimeStoppers, anonymously, at 954-493-TlPS (8477).
By Mike Clary
STAFF WRITER
Staff researcher Barbara
Hijek contributed to this report.
Sun Sentinel
Broward County
May 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Motorcyclist dies after accident
SAFETY HARBOR
A Tampa Man injured in a motorcycle accident on Memorial Day died Tuesday, officials said. Eric Von Schnetzer, 40, died about 11:30 a.m. at Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies said Von Schnetzer was northbound on Philippe Parkway about 2:20 p.m. Monday when he failed to negotiate a curve. Von Schnetzer of 6702 Camden Drive, No. 202, was not wearing a helmet.
St Petersburg Times
Pinellas County
June 1, 2011
A Tampa Man injured in a motorcycle accident on Memorial Day died Tuesday, officials said. Eric Von Schnetzer, 40, died about 11:30 a.m. at Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies said Von Schnetzer was northbound on Philippe Parkway about 2:20 p.m. Monday when he failed to negotiate a curve. Von Schnetzer of 6702 Camden Drive, No. 202, was not wearing a helmet.
St Petersburg Times
Pinellas County
June 1, 2011
Crash sends Two People to Hospital
WINTER HAVEN
Two people were hospitalized Saturday following a crash on Lucerne Park Road in Winter Haven, police said. The crash happened about 11:40 a.m. Charles Evans, 53, was headed north on Lucerne Park Road when his 2007 Chevrolet truck drifted into the southbound lane, according to Winter Haven Police Department. He struck the rear left of a car driven by Alexis Perez, 27, who was able to drive off the road.
Evans' truck hit another car driven by Elizabeth Warren, causing it to spin and land off the road, police said. Evans' truck came to rest about 200 feet from the initial crash.
Addresses of those involved in the crash were not available immediately.
Evans and Warren were flown to Lakeland Regional Medical Center. Their condition was not known at press time. Perez had minor injuries, police said. The crash remains under investigation.
Lakeland Ledger
Polk County
May 29, 2011
Two people were hospitalized Saturday following a crash on Lucerne Park Road in Winter Haven, police said. The crash happened about 11:40 a.m. Charles Evans, 53, was headed north on Lucerne Park Road when his 2007 Chevrolet truck drifted into the southbound lane, according to Winter Haven Police Department. He struck the rear left of a car driven by Alexis Perez, 27, who was able to drive off the road.
Evans' truck hit another car driven by Elizabeth Warren, causing it to spin and land off the road, police said. Evans' truck came to rest about 200 feet from the initial crash.
Addresses of those involved in the crash were not available immediately.
Evans and Warren were flown to Lakeland Regional Medical Center. Their condition was not known at press time. Perez had minor injuries, police said. The crash remains under investigation.
Lakeland Ledger
Polk County
May 29, 2011
Woman steps in path of truck, dies
POLICE BEAT
A Lake City woman who apparently walked into the traffic lanes of U.S. 441 died early Friday morning. The Florida Highway Patrol said Jeanette M. Woods, 34, of Lake City, was killed when she was hit by a 2008 Chevrolet pickup being driven by Gregory S. Williams Jr., 40, of Branford.
The 12:30 a.m. crash happened in the southbound lanes of U.S. 441 just south of the intersection of Southwest Michigan Street. Troopers said Woods was walking on the west side of the four-lane divided highway when she stepped in the path of the truck.
The front of the truck hit Woods and threw her onto the west shoulder, according to an FHP report on the accident. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Charges in the case are pending the results of Williams' blood alcohol test, troopers said.
-Karen Voyles
A Lake City woman who apparently walked into the traffic lanes of U.S. 441 died early Friday morning. The Florida Highway Patrol said Jeanette M. Woods, 34, of Lake City, was killed when she was hit by a 2008 Chevrolet pickup being driven by Gregory S. Williams Jr., 40, of Branford.
The 12:30 a.m. crash happened in the southbound lanes of U.S. 441 just south of the intersection of Southwest Michigan Street. Troopers said Woods was walking on the west side of the four-lane divided highway when she stepped in the path of the truck.
The front of the truck hit Woods and threw her onto the west shoulder, according to an FHP report on the accident. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Charges in the case are pending the results of Williams' blood alcohol test, troopers said.
-Karen Voyles
Motorcyclist in serious condition after accident
A motorcyclist was in serious condition Saturday at Lee Memorial hospital after an accident
in Charlotte County Friday night. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Mark T. Buck, 58,
of Port Charlotte, was riding north along U.S. 41 when a Toyota Corolla pulled out from
Church Street and into his path. Buck tried to avoid the collision by veering left. The Corolla
also veered left, and his motorcycle smashed into the rear.
The driver of the Corolla, Laura Scott, 56, and her passenger, Victoria Scott, 21, both of
New Jersey, were uninjured in the crash. Buck was not wearing a helmet. Charges are pending a
Florida Highway Patrol investigation.
in Charlotte County Friday night. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Mark T. Buck, 58,
of Port Charlotte, was riding north along U.S. 41 when a Toyota Corolla pulled out from
Church Street and into his path. Buck tried to avoid the collision by veering left. The Corolla
also veered left, and his motorcycle smashed into the rear.
The driver of the Corolla, Laura Scott, 56, and her passenger, Victoria Scott, 21, both of
New Jersey, were uninjured in the crash. Buck was not wearing a helmet. Charges are pending a
Florida Highway Patrol investigation.
Bicyclist dies in crash with car near 1-75
A bicyclist died late Friday after veering into the path of an oncoming car on Tice Street near
the Interstate 75 exchange. Florida Highway Patrol officers have not identified the bicyclist
who they say may have been intoxicated at the time. The driver was not impaired, trooper said, and has not been charged.
FHP is requesting the public's assistance with additional information about the crash. Witnesses
or others with information are asked to contact Cpl. Jeff Rongish at 344-1749 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TlPS to place an anonymous tip.
the Interstate 75 exchange. Florida Highway Patrol officers have not identified the bicyclist
who they say may have been intoxicated at the time. The driver was not impaired, trooper said, and has not been charged.
FHP is requesting the public's assistance with additional information about the crash. Witnesses
or others with information are asked to contact Cpl. Jeff Rongish at 344-1749 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TlPS to place an anonymous tip.
Witness Needed In Fatal Accident
38-Year-Old Wauchula Man Died Following Foggy Crash
By JOAN SEAMAN
of The Herald-Advocate
A potential witness to a fatal crash on Saturday morning is asked to help the Florida Highway Patrol. According to the FHP report of Tpr. Jesse DeBoom, the incident happened shortly before 8 a.m. at the intersection of U.S. 17 and REA Road in heavy fog. Jimmy Lyn Giles, 38, of Wauchula, was critically injured in the crash and transported to Florida Hospital Wauchula, where he later died from his injuries. Information received by homicide investigator Cpl. Louis M. Smith Jr. indicates there was a small dark, possibly maroon, vehicle traveling east on REA Road behind one of the vehicles in the crash. Another witness used the cell phone of the female driver to call for emergency assistance. The possible witness, or anyone with additional information, is asked to contact Cpl. Smith at 1-800-993-4618, ext, 262, and leave a message. According to the preliminary report, a 1993 Kenilworth tractor-trailer driven by James Edward Smith, 55, of Mauk, Ga., traveling southbound in the inside lane of U.S. 17 was braking and began to jackknife while entering the intersection. Smith’s vehicle collided with the left side of the 1998 Dodge pickup driven by Giles, which had entered the intersection. The tractor-trailer came to rest facing north with its trailer facing west across the southbound lanes of U.S. 17 south of the intersection.
After the impact, the pickup rotated to the west shoulder of U.S. 17, traveled back and through the intersection, through a ditch on the northwest side of the intersection, coming to a final rest facing in a westerly direction on the west side of U.S. 17. Giles became the fifth fatality on Hardee County roads in 2011.
A 2004 Chevrolet Impala in the used car lot the northwest side of the intersection received
about $300 damage from debris from the crash. The pickup had about $5,000 damage and the
tractor-trailer about $15,000. In an unrelated incident of Saturday afternoon, a 48-year-
old Zolfo Springs woman died in an accident on SR 62 just west of the Hardee county line.
According to the report of FHP Tpr. Sean McCormick, Luis Paulin-Hemandez, 51, of
3546 Poplar St., Zolfo Springs, was eastbound on SR 62. Just past Duette Road, he lost control of the vehicle, rotated counterclockwise and left the roadway on the north shoulder.
The 2004 GMC 1500 then entered the ditch and overturned, with the right rear and
roof striking a tree, before it continued in the ditch on its left side. It came to rest facing east
on its left side in the ditch, said the trooper's report.
Isidora Paulin, 48, of the same Zolfo Springs address, died at the scene. The driver received minor injuries. Passenger Mario Paulin, 23, was transported to Bayfront Medical Center with critical injuries. Passenger Jorge Paulin, 21, was taken to Florida Hospital Wauchula with minor injuries. Neither the driver, nor any of the passengers was wearing a seat belt. Charges are pending further investigation.
By JOAN SEAMAN
of The Herald-Advocate
A potential witness to a fatal crash on Saturday morning is asked to help the Florida Highway Patrol. According to the FHP report of Tpr. Jesse DeBoom, the incident happened shortly before 8 a.m. at the intersection of U.S. 17 and REA Road in heavy fog. Jimmy Lyn Giles, 38, of Wauchula, was critically injured in the crash and transported to Florida Hospital Wauchula, where he later died from his injuries. Information received by homicide investigator Cpl. Louis M. Smith Jr. indicates there was a small dark, possibly maroon, vehicle traveling east on REA Road behind one of the vehicles in the crash. Another witness used the cell phone of the female driver to call for emergency assistance. The possible witness, or anyone with additional information, is asked to contact Cpl. Smith at 1-800-993-4618, ext, 262, and leave a message. According to the preliminary report, a 1993 Kenilworth tractor-trailer driven by James Edward Smith, 55, of Mauk, Ga., traveling southbound in the inside lane of U.S. 17 was braking and began to jackknife while entering the intersection. Smith’s vehicle collided with the left side of the 1998 Dodge pickup driven by Giles, which had entered the intersection. The tractor-trailer came to rest facing north with its trailer facing west across the southbound lanes of U.S. 17 south of the intersection.
After the impact, the pickup rotated to the west shoulder of U.S. 17, traveled back and through the intersection, through a ditch on the northwest side of the intersection, coming to a final rest facing in a westerly direction on the west side of U.S. 17. Giles became the fifth fatality on Hardee County roads in 2011.
A 2004 Chevrolet Impala in the used car lot the northwest side of the intersection received
about $300 damage from debris from the crash. The pickup had about $5,000 damage and the
tractor-trailer about $15,000. In an unrelated incident of Saturday afternoon, a 48-year-
old Zolfo Springs woman died in an accident on SR 62 just west of the Hardee county line.
According to the report of FHP Tpr. Sean McCormick, Luis Paulin-Hemandez, 51, of
3546 Poplar St., Zolfo Springs, was eastbound on SR 62. Just past Duette Road, he lost control of the vehicle, rotated counterclockwise and left the roadway on the north shoulder.
The 2004 GMC 1500 then entered the ditch and overturned, with the right rear and
roof striking a tree, before it continued in the ditch on its left side. It came to rest facing east
on its left side in the ditch, said the trooper's report.
Isidora Paulin, 48, of the same Zolfo Springs address, died at the scene. The driver received minor injuries. Passenger Mario Paulin, 23, was transported to Bayfront Medical Center with critical injuries. Passenger Jorge Paulin, 21, was taken to Florida Hospital Wauchula with minor injuries. Neither the driver, nor any of the passengers was wearing a seat belt. Charges are pending further investigation.
Man in critical condition after motorcycle crash
A Pensacola man was in critical condition after crashing his motorcycle Monday on Interstatee
110 south of Maxwell Street. Jeremy J. Jones, 28, was taken to Baptist Hospital after the accident at 6:30 p.m., according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Jones, who was wearing a helmet, was traveling southbound on I-110 in the inside lane, the FHP report said. For unknown reasons,
he lost control of his Kawasaki, striking a concrete bridge barrier on the east shoulder, the
FHP said. The cause is under investigation.
110 south of Maxwell Street. Jeremy J. Jones, 28, was taken to Baptist Hospital after the accident at 6:30 p.m., according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Jones, who was wearing a helmet, was traveling southbound on I-110 in the inside lane, the FHP report said. For unknown reasons,
he lost control of his Kawasaki, striking a concrete bridge barrier on the east shoulder, the
FHP said. The cause is under investigation.
Police: 4 injured in 3-vehicle crash
FLEEING .DRIVER
Police: 4 injured in 3-vehicle crash
By MATTHEW PLEASANT
NYT Regional Media Group
WINTER HAVEN
A 26-year-old driver fleeing from police caused a Multi-vehicle crash at U.S. 17 and Avenue G Southeast that injured him and three others, two seriously, Tuesday night, Winter Haven police
said.
The driver, Frenanadio Dwayne Washington, of 300 Lee Ave. N.W., was thrown from his vehicle, suffering head injuries, a broken shoulder and several fractured vertebrae. He was airlifted
to Lakeland Regional Medical Center.
His passenger, Lemyuel Blaine Johnson Jr., 25, of 847 Cinnamon Drive in Winter Haven, suffered facial fractures.
He was taken to Winter Haven Hospital and later was transferred to Tampa General Hospital.
Also injured were the drivers of two other cars. Angie Diaz suffered multiple pelvic fractures and a broken ankle. She was taken to Winter Haven Hospital and later was transferred to
Tampa General. Lauren Cobarrubio sustained minor injuries and was treated and released from Winter Haven Hospital, police said.
The incident began late Tuesday night, when Winter Haven police officers were in the area of Seventh Street Southwest and Avenue O investigating personal robberies, the Winter Haven Police Department said.
The officers, who were outside their unmarked vehicle, saw a car run a stop sign at that intersection about 11:20 p.m. When the officers found the car at Ninth Street Southwest and Avenue O, an officer approached the passenger side of the vehicle, signaling the driver to stop. Police said Washington drove around the officer and left the area at a high rate of speed. The fleeing vehicle ran the stop sign at Ninth Street Southwest and Avenue N. Washington’s car then drove past a marked police car that had its emergency lights on in the 600 block of Avenue M Southwest and headed north on Sixth Street Southwest. That officer turned around in an effort to catch the vehicle, but as he passed Avenue K Southwest, he turned off his lights and sirens, realizing he would be unable to do that. As the officer turned onto Avenue G Southwest, he saw Washington enter the intersection at U.S. 17 in a Ford Taurus while Cobarrubio was headed north in a Chevy Cavalier. Washington’s vehicle crashed into Diaz’s, causing her car to spin. Washington then hit Cobarrubio’s car, causing her to crash into a pole on the west side of U.S. 17, police said. Charges are pending as the investigation continues.
Police: 4 injured in 3-vehicle crash
By MATTHEW PLEASANT
NYT Regional Media Group
WINTER HAVEN
A 26-year-old driver fleeing from police caused a Multi-vehicle crash at U.S. 17 and Avenue G Southeast that injured him and three others, two seriously, Tuesday night, Winter Haven police
said.
The driver, Frenanadio Dwayne Washington, of 300 Lee Ave. N.W., was thrown from his vehicle, suffering head injuries, a broken shoulder and several fractured vertebrae. He was airlifted
to Lakeland Regional Medical Center.
His passenger, Lemyuel Blaine Johnson Jr., 25, of 847 Cinnamon Drive in Winter Haven, suffered facial fractures.
He was taken to Winter Haven Hospital and later was transferred to Tampa General Hospital.
Also injured were the drivers of two other cars. Angie Diaz suffered multiple pelvic fractures and a broken ankle. She was taken to Winter Haven Hospital and later was transferred to
Tampa General. Lauren Cobarrubio sustained minor injuries and was treated and released from Winter Haven Hospital, police said.
The incident began late Tuesday night, when Winter Haven police officers were in the area of Seventh Street Southwest and Avenue O investigating personal robberies, the Winter Haven Police Department said.
The officers, who were outside their unmarked vehicle, saw a car run a stop sign at that intersection about 11:20 p.m. When the officers found the car at Ninth Street Southwest and Avenue O, an officer approached the passenger side of the vehicle, signaling the driver to stop. Police said Washington drove around the officer and left the area at a high rate of speed. The fleeing vehicle ran the stop sign at Ninth Street Southwest and Avenue N. Washington’s car then drove past a marked police car that had its emergency lights on in the 600 block of Avenue M Southwest and headed north on Sixth Street Southwest. That officer turned around in an effort to catch the vehicle, but as he passed Avenue K Southwest, he turned off his lights and sirens, realizing he would be unable to do that. As the officer turned onto Avenue G Southwest, he saw Washington enter the intersection at U.S. 17 in a Ford Taurus while Cobarrubio was headed north in a Chevy Cavalier. Washington’s vehicle crashed into Diaz’s, causing her car to spin. Washington then hit Cobarrubio’s car, causing her to crash into a pole on the west side of U.S. 17, police said. Charges are pending as the investigation continues.
Report: Bicyclist injured in hit and run
PORT CHARLOTTE- A Punta Gorda man was bicycling east on Harbor Boulevard, attempting
to cross U.S. 41, when he was struck by a vehicle of an unknown make an model Monday evening, according to a Florida Highway Patrol report. A witness said Raymond Earl Hembree,
53, crossed the path of a vehicle on his bike on a red traffic signal, the report shows. The vehicle
reportedly struck the bike's right side, pushing it about 50 feet and throwing Hembree off.
He then landed in the intersection in the right northbound lane.
The vehicle then left the scene, heading northbound on U.S. 41, according to the report.
The report states Hembree initially was taken to
Lee Memorial Hospital in Fort Myers with serious
injuries, but he later was discharged.
The FHP asks anyone with information about this crash to contact
Trooper Scott Murray at 941-483-5911.
Charlotte Sun
Charlotte County
May 25, 2011
POLICE BEAT
to cross U.S. 41, when he was struck by a vehicle of an unknown make an model Monday evening, according to a Florida Highway Patrol report. A witness said Raymond Earl Hembree,
53, crossed the path of a vehicle on his bike on a red traffic signal, the report shows. The vehicle
reportedly struck the bike's right side, pushing it about 50 feet and throwing Hembree off.
He then landed in the intersection in the right northbound lane.
The vehicle then left the scene, heading northbound on U.S. 41, according to the report.
The report states Hembree initially was taken to
Lee Memorial Hospital in Fort Myers with serious
injuries, but he later was discharged.
The FHP asks anyone with information about this crash to contact
Trooper Scott Murray at 941-483-5911.
Charlotte Sun
Charlotte County
May 25, 2011
POLICE BEAT
Grandmother killed in crash at intersection
PEMBROKE PINES
A driver may have run a red light in a crash Monday afternoon in Pembroke Pines that left a grandmother dead, police said. Neyda Hernandez, 51, of Pembroke Pines, was trying to make a left turn on to Pines Boulevard from Northwest 208th Avenue when her car collided with another vehicle at the intersection, police said. Hernandez was taken to Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood, where she died, police said.
The crash happened about 5:30 p.m. Hernandez had her granddaughter in the backseat, but the child was not seriously injured, police said. Police indentified the driver of the other vehicle involved, a 2003 Hyundai Elantra, as Jay Lapidus, 47, of Pembroke Pines.
Witnesses said Lapidus, who suffered serious but not life-threatening injuries, was speeding and ran the red light at the intersection, police said. Lapidus has not been charged.
-Sofia Santana
Sun Sentinel
Broward County
May 25,2011
A driver may have run a red light in a crash Monday afternoon in Pembroke Pines that left a grandmother dead, police said. Neyda Hernandez, 51, of Pembroke Pines, was trying to make a left turn on to Pines Boulevard from Northwest 208th Avenue when her car collided with another vehicle at the intersection, police said. Hernandez was taken to Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood, where she died, police said.
The crash happened about 5:30 p.m. Hernandez had her granddaughter in the backseat, but the child was not seriously injured, police said. Police indentified the driver of the other vehicle involved, a 2003 Hyundai Elantra, as Jay Lapidus, 47, of Pembroke Pines.
Witnesses said Lapidus, who suffered serious but not life-threatening injuries, was speeding and ran the red light at the intersection, police said. Lapidus has not been charged.
-Sofia Santana
Sun Sentinel
Broward County
May 25,2011
Publix employee hit in parking lot
CHARLOTTE COUNTY
- A Publix employee is reported to be in critical condition after being hit by a car in the store's parking lot.
Paramedics took Betty Henley, 76, of Englewood to Lee Memorial Hospital.
Shortly after 3:30 p.m. Monday, Henley was reportedly walking toward a shopping cart return bin at the Publix at 1500 Placida Road. The Florida Highway Patrol says John T. Elliott, 83,
of Placida, was backing out of a parking space when his Toyota Camry struck the rear of another parked car, then hit Henley, the cart bin and another parked car.
FHP says charges are pending in the investigation.
- A Publix employee is reported to be in critical condition after being hit by a car in the store's parking lot.
Paramedics took Betty Henley, 76, of Englewood to Lee Memorial Hospital.
Shortly after 3:30 p.m. Monday, Henley was reportedly walking toward a shopping cart return bin at the Publix at 1500 Placida Road. The Florida Highway Patrol says John T. Elliott, 83,
of Placida, was backing out of a parking space when his Toyota Camry struck the rear of another parked car, then hit Henley, the cart bin and another parked car.
FHP says charges are pending in the investigation.
Driver leaves scene of accident
CHARLOTTE COUNTY-
A hit-and-run driver struck a bicyclist at U.S. 41 and Harbor Boulevard in Charlotte County late Monday. Shortly before 10 p.m., Raymond Earl Hembree, 53, reportedly crossed U.S. 41 in front of an oncoming northbound car at a traffic signal. The driver struck Hembree and continued
north. Paramedics took Hembree to Lee Memorial Hospital, where he is listed in serious condition.
Anyone with information about the accident is asked to call the Florida
Highway Patrol at (941) 483-59ll.
A hit-and-run driver struck a bicyclist at U.S. 41 and Harbor Boulevard in Charlotte County late Monday. Shortly before 10 p.m., Raymond Earl Hembree, 53, reportedly crossed U.S. 41 in front of an oncoming northbound car at a traffic signal. The driver struck Hembree and continued
north. Paramedics took Hembree to Lee Memorial Hospital, where he is listed in serious condition.
Anyone with information about the accident is asked to call the Florida
Highway Patrol at (941) 483-59ll.
Softball coach gets four years in prison in fatal wreck
Man who was intoxicated says he’s ‘truly sorry’
BY TOM BRENNAN
The Tampa Tribune
Tampa- The coach had belted down a half-dozen beers and a couple of tequila shots at the holiday dessert social for his girls softball team. Team parents became so concerned they decided to snatch his keys, but Paul Michael Parks had sneaked out behind the wheel of his GMC pickup. About a mile away, Parks rammed head-on into a Jeep driven by Karen Weaver, who was heading home from a yuletide party on Big Bend Road. Parks never noticed the road had gone from four lanes to two and that he was driving into oncoming traffic. Weaver, 47, of Riverview, was killed. Parks, 37, pleaded guilty Thursday to driving under the influence-manslaughter in the wreck, which happened about 11:30 p.m. Dec. 19, 2009. Tests showed his blood alcohol content was 0.218, deputies said. Florida law presumes intoxication at 0.08. Hillsborough Circuit Judge Manuel A. Lopez sentenced Parks to four years in prison followed by 10 years of probation. It was the minimum punishment he could impose. Parks’ guilty plea came without any deal with prosecutors. Although sentencing guidelines called for at least 10 years in prison, Lopez said he was impressed by the parade of witnesses who spoke on Parks’ behalf, including his wife, friends, ministers and former co-workers and boss. “It was out of character for him,” the judge said. “He has shown tremendous remorse. I think he learned a great deal from this.” Parks, who had been free on $25,000 bail since turning himself in to authorities in January 2010, also spoke before being sentenced. “I am truly sorry for what happened,” he said. “I awake every day with a hole in my soul.” Parks denied having a drinking problem, although he said he swore off alcohol after the crash and has attended Alcoholic Anonymous meetings twice weekly. He said the meetings made him feel better because other people were worse off, not having the support he has received. None of Weaver’s family spoke at the sentencing. Prosecutors said Weaver’s brother, Charles Grant, was caring for his ill mother. A victim’s advocate read a letter from Grant, who asked Lopez not to give Parks any breaks. “He snuck out of that party,” Grant wrote, “he knew what he was doing.”
tbrennan@tampatrib.com
(813) 259-7698
BY TOM BRENNAN
The Tampa Tribune
Tampa- The coach had belted down a half-dozen beers and a couple of tequila shots at the holiday dessert social for his girls softball team. Team parents became so concerned they decided to snatch his keys, but Paul Michael Parks had sneaked out behind the wheel of his GMC pickup. About a mile away, Parks rammed head-on into a Jeep driven by Karen Weaver, who was heading home from a yuletide party on Big Bend Road. Parks never noticed the road had gone from four lanes to two and that he was driving into oncoming traffic. Weaver, 47, of Riverview, was killed. Parks, 37, pleaded guilty Thursday to driving under the influence-manslaughter in the wreck, which happened about 11:30 p.m. Dec. 19, 2009. Tests showed his blood alcohol content was 0.218, deputies said. Florida law presumes intoxication at 0.08. Hillsborough Circuit Judge Manuel A. Lopez sentenced Parks to four years in prison followed by 10 years of probation. It was the minimum punishment he could impose. Parks’ guilty plea came without any deal with prosecutors. Although sentencing guidelines called for at least 10 years in prison, Lopez said he was impressed by the parade of witnesses who spoke on Parks’ behalf, including his wife, friends, ministers and former co-workers and boss. “It was out of character for him,” the judge said. “He has shown tremendous remorse. I think he learned a great deal from this.” Parks, who had been free on $25,000 bail since turning himself in to authorities in January 2010, also spoke before being sentenced. “I am truly sorry for what happened,” he said. “I awake every day with a hole in my soul.” Parks denied having a drinking problem, although he said he swore off alcohol after the crash and has attended Alcoholic Anonymous meetings twice weekly. He said the meetings made him feel better because other people were worse off, not having the support he has received. None of Weaver’s family spoke at the sentencing. Prosecutors said Weaver’s brother, Charles Grant, was caring for his ill mother. A victim’s advocate read a letter from Grant, who asked Lopez not to give Parks any breaks. “He snuck out of that party,” Grant wrote, “he knew what he was doing.”
tbrennan@tampatrib.com
(813) 259-7698
Bicyclist dies in crash with pickup
A bicyclist was killed Wednesday evening after he and a pickup collided on Alt. U.S.19 in Tarpon Springs, authorities said. The crash happened about 7:30 p.m. just south of where the road crosses Plaza Drive. Police said an unidentified male bicyclist was riding against traffic on the eastern edge of the road when he was hit by a northbound Ford utility driven by Alanzo Williams, 52, of Holiday. It was not immediately clear what led to the collision. The bicyclist
died of head injuries at the scene. He wasn’t wearing a helmet. Police were working to Identify him.
St Petersburg Times
Pinellas County
May 27, 2011
died of head injuries at the scene. He wasn’t wearing a helmet. Police were working to Identify him.
St Petersburg Times
Pinellas County
May 27, 2011
Woman killed crossing road
PALM BEACH COUNTY
A woman was killed Wednesday night after she was struck by a sport utility vehicle west of Lake
Worth, a Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman said. Dianna Gonzalez, 40, of West Palm Beach attempted to cross to the south side of l0th Avenue North, east of Florida Mango
Road, at 8:36 p.m., according to a report. Because she wasn't crossing at a crosswalk, she halted traffic in one of the eastbound lanes. When Gonzalez tried crossing the second of two eastbound lanes, she was struck by Abel Rosales, 35, of Boynton Beach, who was driving a 1999 Honda CRV. Gonzales was taken by ambulance to Delray Medical Center,where she was pronounced dead. Traffic homicide investigators determined that Gonzalez was either under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident, according to the report.
- Cynthia Roldan
Palm Beach Post
Palm Beach County
May 27,2011
A woman was killed Wednesday night after she was struck by a sport utility vehicle west of Lake
Worth, a Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman said. Dianna Gonzalez, 40, of West Palm Beach attempted to cross to the south side of l0th Avenue North, east of Florida Mango
Road, at 8:36 p.m., according to a report. Because she wasn't crossing at a crosswalk, she halted traffic in one of the eastbound lanes. When Gonzalez tried crossing the second of two eastbound lanes, she was struck by Abel Rosales, 35, of Boynton Beach, who was driving a 1999 Honda CRV. Gonzales was taken by ambulance to Delray Medical Center,where she was pronounced dead. Traffic homicide investigators determined that Gonzalez was either under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident, according to the report.
- Cynthia Roldan
Palm Beach Post
Palm Beach County
May 27,2011
Motorcycle crash kills man, woman
Motorcycle crash kills man, woman
LAKELAND-A 38-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman were killed while riding a motorcycle
Monday night in Lakeland when it struck a car as it backed out of a driveway, according to the
Florida Highway Patrol.
Michael Mitts and Laura Nalley of Lakeland died at the scene on North Chestnut Road, near the intersection of lvey Lane, according to reports.
The accident happened shortly before 7:30p.m. Mitts, who was driving a 1992 Yamaha FZR 1 south on North Chestnut, struck a 1996 Ford Thunderbird, driven by Rakesha Corbett, 20, of Lakeland, as she backed out of a driveway.
To avoid the crash, Mitts applied the motorcycle's brakes, but lost control. The motorcycle
overturned onto the right side of the vehicle and slid into Corbett's car, reports said.
Mitts and Nalley, who were thrown from the motorcycle, died at the scene, troopers reported.
Mitts was not wearing a helmet, but Nalley was at the time of the collision. Corbett received minor injuries from the impact and her 10-year-old passenger, Ga-Nyha Jenkins, was not injured, reports said.
No charges have been filed in the accident.
Winter Haven News Chief
Polk County
May 18, 2011
LAKELAND-A 38-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman were killed while riding a motorcycle
Monday night in Lakeland when it struck a car as it backed out of a driveway, according to the
Florida Highway Patrol.
Michael Mitts and Laura Nalley of Lakeland died at the scene on North Chestnut Road, near the intersection of lvey Lane, according to reports.
The accident happened shortly before 7:30p.m. Mitts, who was driving a 1992 Yamaha FZR 1 south on North Chestnut, struck a 1996 Ford Thunderbird, driven by Rakesha Corbett, 20, of Lakeland, as she backed out of a driveway.
To avoid the crash, Mitts applied the motorcycle's brakes, but lost control. The motorcycle
overturned onto the right side of the vehicle and slid into Corbett's car, reports said.
Mitts and Nalley, who were thrown from the motorcycle, died at the scene, troopers reported.
Mitts was not wearing a helmet, but Nalley was at the time of the collision. Corbett received minor injuries from the impact and her 10-year-old passenger, Ga-Nyha Jenkins, was not injured, reports said.
No charges have been filed in the accident.
Winter Haven News Chief
Polk County
May 18, 2011
Friday, June 3, 2011
Crash kills Ponte Vedra Beach man
Crash kills Ponte Vedra Beach Man
From Staff
A 43-year-old Ponte Vedra Beach man was killed Thursday morning in a crash on U.S. 1 North near Nocatee Parkway, according to a Florida Highway Patrol report.
A woman driving northbound on U.S. 1 in a 2007 Toyota around 7 a.m. Thursday, drifted
into the median and swerved right and hard back to the left and into oncoming traffic, the
report said.
Thoman Dantin was driving southbound on U.S. 1 in his 1997 Chevrolet pickup truck when
the Toyota crossed into his lane, the report said. He swerved right in an attempt to avoid the oncoming car, but the Toyota still struck the left fender and driver's side door of the Chevrolet.
Dantin was airlifted as a trauma alert, but died, the report said.
The driver of the Toyota was also injured, but the extent of her injuries was not available.
A 2-year-old child in the Toyota was not injured, the report said.
The drivers were taken to Baptist Hospital South and Shands Hospital Jacksonville, but the report does not say who went to which hospital.
Both were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash, the report said.
Charges are pending completion of the investigation.
St Augustine Record
St Johns County
May 14,2011
From Staff
A 43-year-old Ponte Vedra Beach man was killed Thursday morning in a crash on U.S. 1 North near Nocatee Parkway, according to a Florida Highway Patrol report.
A woman driving northbound on U.S. 1 in a 2007 Toyota around 7 a.m. Thursday, drifted
into the median and swerved right and hard back to the left and into oncoming traffic, the
report said.
Thoman Dantin was driving southbound on U.S. 1 in his 1997 Chevrolet pickup truck when
the Toyota crossed into his lane, the report said. He swerved right in an attempt to avoid the oncoming car, but the Toyota still struck the left fender and driver's side door of the Chevrolet.
Dantin was airlifted as a trauma alert, but died, the report said.
The driver of the Toyota was also injured, but the extent of her injuries was not available.
A 2-year-old child in the Toyota was not injured, the report said.
The drivers were taken to Baptist Hospital South and Shands Hospital Jacksonville, but the report does not say who went to which hospital.
Both were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash, the report said.
Charges are pending completion of the investigation.
St Augustine Record
St Johns County
May 14,2011
Bike rider killed was Pasco man
TARPON SPRINGS
Bike rider killed was Pasco man
The bicyclist killed Wednesday On Alt. U.S. l9 was identified Friday as Abimael Santiago Cancel, 38, of Holiday. Cancel was riding against traffic on the eastern shoulder of the road south of Plaza Drive when a northbound Ford utility truck hit him about 7:30 p.m., police said. Cancel, who was not wearing a helmet, died at the scene of head injuries, police said. The truck’s driver, Alanzo
Williams, 52, of Holiday, has not been charged.
St Petersburg Times
Pinellas County
May 28, 2011
Bike rider killed was Pasco man
The bicyclist killed Wednesday On Alt. U.S. l9 was identified Friday as Abimael Santiago Cancel, 38, of Holiday. Cancel was riding against traffic on the eastern shoulder of the road south of Plaza Drive when a northbound Ford utility truck hit him about 7:30 p.m., police said. Cancel, who was not wearing a helmet, died at the scene of head injuries, police said. The truck’s driver, Alanzo
Williams, 52, of Holiday, has not been charged.
St Petersburg Times
Pinellas County
May 28, 2011
Motorcyclist injured after hitting guardrail
SAFETY HARBOR
Motorcyclist injured after hitting guardrail
A 40-year-old man from Tampa was seriously injured Monday afternoon when his motorcycle
crashed in Safety Harbor. Pinellas sheriff’s deputies said Eric Von Schnetzer was driving north on Philippe Parkway about 2:20 p.m. when he failed to negotiate a curve in the roadway just
north of Enterprise Road. Deputies said Von Schnetzer locked the front brakes of the motorcycle and slid into a metal pedestrian guardrail. Schnetzer, who was not wearing a helmet, was taken by helicopter to Bayfront Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. Deputies said he underwent surgery for serious head and internal wounds.
Deputies said alcohol could be a factor in the crash. An investigation is continuing.
St Petersburg Times
Pinellas County
May 31, 2011
Motorcyclist injured after hitting guardrail
A 40-year-old man from Tampa was seriously injured Monday afternoon when his motorcycle
crashed in Safety Harbor. Pinellas sheriff’s deputies said Eric Von Schnetzer was driving north on Philippe Parkway about 2:20 p.m. when he failed to negotiate a curve in the roadway just
north of Enterprise Road. Deputies said Von Schnetzer locked the front brakes of the motorcycle and slid into a metal pedestrian guardrail. Schnetzer, who was not wearing a helmet, was taken by helicopter to Bayfront Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. Deputies said he underwent surgery for serious head and internal wounds.
Deputies said alcohol could be a factor in the crash. An investigation is continuing.
St Petersburg Times
Pinellas County
May 31, 2011
Motorcyclist dies after crash with truck
TAMPA
Motorcyclist dies after crash with truck
A 30-year-old motorcyclist died Sunday night after a collision with a pickup.
Police said Jonathan Pearson of St. Petersburg was headed west on Kennedy Boulevard about 9:30 p.m. on a 2006 Suzuki motorcycle as Joseph Rametta, 58, was driving a 1999
Toyota pickup north on Clark Street, crossing onto Kennedy
Boulevard when he apparently failed to see Pearson.
Pearson hit the brakes and his motorcycle skidded, falling
on its left side and hitting the right side of the truck just in
front of the rear wheel, police said.
Pearson was pronounced dead at Tampa General Hospital.
St Petersburg Times
Pinellas County
May 31 , 2011
Motorcyclist dies after crash with truck
A 30-year-old motorcyclist died Sunday night after a collision with a pickup.
Police said Jonathan Pearson of St. Petersburg was headed west on Kennedy Boulevard about 9:30 p.m. on a 2006 Suzuki motorcycle as Joseph Rametta, 58, was driving a 1999
Toyota pickup north on Clark Street, crossing onto Kennedy
Boulevard when he apparently failed to see Pearson.
Pearson hit the brakes and his motorcycle skidded, falling
on its left side and hitting the right side of the truck just in
front of the rear wheel, police said.
Pearson was pronounced dead at Tampa General Hospital.
St Petersburg Times
Pinellas County
May 31 , 2011
Motorcycle crash kills man
Police Beat
Motorcycle crash kills man
A Lake Butler man was killed Thursday afternoon in Columbia County when he drove his
motorcycle into a car that had stopped in front of him to make a turn, the Florida Highway Patrol
reported. Dead is Marshall E. Palmer, 64, according to an FHP media release.
The accident occurred about 1:50 p.m. on U.S. 441 at County Road 349.
According to FHP, Palmer was driving his 2006 Harley-Davidson motorcycle south on U.S. 441
behind a 1997 Nissan Sentra driven by Andre C. Copeland, 27, of Lake City.
Copeland was stopped in the southbound lane waiting to turn left into North Florida Livestock,
FHP reported. Palmer attempted to slow down to avoid a rear-end collision but instead went down onto his right side, FHP said. Palmer, who was wearing a helmet, was thrown from the motorcycle and hit the trunk of Copeland's car. The motorcycle slid underneath the car.
Palmer was taken to Shands at the University of Florida while Copeland
was not injured, FHP said.
-Cindy Swirko
Gainesville Sun
Alachua County
May 27, 2011
Motorcycle crash kills man
A Lake Butler man was killed Thursday afternoon in Columbia County when he drove his
motorcycle into a car that had stopped in front of him to make a turn, the Florida Highway Patrol
reported. Dead is Marshall E. Palmer, 64, according to an FHP media release.
The accident occurred about 1:50 p.m. on U.S. 441 at County Road 349.
According to FHP, Palmer was driving his 2006 Harley-Davidson motorcycle south on U.S. 441
behind a 1997 Nissan Sentra driven by Andre C. Copeland, 27, of Lake City.
Copeland was stopped in the southbound lane waiting to turn left into North Florida Livestock,
FHP reported. Palmer attempted to slow down to avoid a rear-end collision but instead went down onto his right side, FHP said. Palmer, who was wearing a helmet, was thrown from the motorcycle and hit the trunk of Copeland's car. The motorcycle slid underneath the car.
Palmer was taken to Shands at the University of Florida while Copeland
was not injured, FHP said.
-Cindy Swirko
Gainesville Sun
Alachua County
May 27, 2011
One killed, two hurt Near I-75 exit
TAMPA
One killed, two
hurt near I-75 exit
A man died Sunday afternoon
in a car crash near the
Interstate 75 exit to Morris
Bridge Road. Aaron Madueke, 59, was driving north on I-75 about 1:09 p.m. in a
2000 Honda Accord when
he exited onto Morris Bridge
Road, Hillsborough County
sheriff’s officials said. He
failed to stop at a stop sign
at the exit. A 2001 Ford Expedition
traveling west then
struck the Honda, officials
said. Madueke, of Tampa,
died at the scene. His daughter,
Mary Madueke, 14, was
taken to a hospital with
nonlife-threatening injuries,
authorities said. The driver of
the Expedition, Jack Small,
52, of Valrico was uninjured.
His wife, Kimberly Small, 50,
was taken to the hospital
with minor injuries, authorities said. An investigation is
ongoing.
St Petersburg Times
Pinellas County
One killed, two
hurt near I-75 exit
A man died Sunday afternoon
in a car crash near the
Interstate 75 exit to Morris
Bridge Road. Aaron Madueke, 59, was driving north on I-75 about 1:09 p.m. in a
2000 Honda Accord when
he exited onto Morris Bridge
Road, Hillsborough County
sheriff’s officials said. He
failed to stop at a stop sign
at the exit. A 2001 Ford Expedition
traveling west then
struck the Honda, officials
said. Madueke, of Tampa,
died at the scene. His daughter,
Mary Madueke, 14, was
taken to a hospital with
nonlife-threatening injuries,
authorities said. The driver of
the Expedition, Jack Small,
52, of Valrico was uninjured.
His wife, Kimberly Small, 50,
was taken to the hospital
with minor injuries, authorities said. An investigation is
ongoing.
St Petersburg Times
Pinellas County
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