A Gibsonton man died early Saturday after his car hit a ditch and flipped over in
Riverview, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said. Dusty Lee Maskrey,19, was
headed south on Riverview Drive at 2:23 am when he missed a curve, hit a ditch
and struck a utility pole near Van Fleet Road, investigators said. Maskrey of Isabel
Avenue was alone in the 1993 Ford Mustang convertible. He died at the scene, deputies said.
St Petersburg Times
Pinellas County
Showing posts with label automobile accident. Show all posts
Showing posts with label automobile accident. Show all posts
Monday, August 15, 2011
1 killed in U.S. 331 wreck
DeFUNIAK SPRINGS
A driver was attempting to make a U-turn on U.S. 331 just north of Liberty when his truck collided with an SUV, killing the passenger and critically injuring the driver about 12:15 p.m. Sunday. Katherine Helmes Bryan, 53, of DeFuniak Springs, was pronounced dead on the scene after the 2004 Ford Explorer she was riding in collided with a 1997 Ford F150 driven by Shawn Patrick Barnes, 37, of Florala, Ala.
The driver of the Explorer, Ronald Lee Bellamy, 36, also of DeFuniak Springs, was critically injured. Barnes and his passenger, Tina Loreen Barnes, 42, of F1orala, Ala., were not injured.
Panama City News Herald
Bay County
A driver was attempting to make a U-turn on U.S. 331 just north of Liberty when his truck collided with an SUV, killing the passenger and critically injuring the driver about 12:15 p.m. Sunday. Katherine Helmes Bryan, 53, of DeFuniak Springs, was pronounced dead on the scene after the 2004 Ford Explorer she was riding in collided with a 1997 Ford F150 driven by Shawn Patrick Barnes, 37, of Florala, Ala.
The driver of the Explorer, Ronald Lee Bellamy, 36, also of DeFuniak Springs, was critically injured. Barnes and his passenger, Tina Loreen Barnes, 42, of F1orala, Ala., were not injured.
Panama City News Herald
Bay County
1 killed 2 injured on I-4 bridge
VOLUSIA COUNTY
A Port Orange man was killed early Tuesday in a three-vehicle crash on Interstate 4,
the Florida Highway Patrol said. The crash occurred about 1:15 a.m. on the bridge over the St. Johns River. A 2001 Lexus driven by Eric Mendez, 27, of Orange City struck the rear of a 1994 Jeep driven by Brian Fitzgibbons, 38, troopers said. A third driver, Krystle McFadden, 23, of Deltona, was unable to stop and crashed her 2006 Buick van into the rear of the Lexus, troopers said. Fitzgibbons was killed. McFadden suffered serious injuries and was taken to Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach. Mendez had only minor Injuries, troopers said.
-Gary Taylor
Orlando Sentinel
Orange County
A Port Orange man was killed early Tuesday in a three-vehicle crash on Interstate 4,
the Florida Highway Patrol said. The crash occurred about 1:15 a.m. on the bridge over the St. Johns River. A 2001 Lexus driven by Eric Mendez, 27, of Orange City struck the rear of a 1994 Jeep driven by Brian Fitzgibbons, 38, troopers said. A third driver, Krystle McFadden, 23, of Deltona, was unable to stop and crashed her 2006 Buick van into the rear of the Lexus, troopers said. Fitzgibbons was killed. McFadden suffered serious injuries and was taken to Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach. Mendez had only minor Injuries, troopers said.
-Gary Taylor
Orlando Sentinel
Orange County
Friday, August 5, 2011
3 Baker sisters killed in wreck
By TOM McLAUGHLIN
Northwest Florida Daily News
tmclaughlin@nwfdailynew.com
Three sisters from Baker were killed and their grandmother was seriously injured Tuesday in a traffic accident in Wing, Ala., just north of the Florida line.
"It was the worst thing we've had in Wing in awhile," said Derek Henley, a firefighter with the Wing Volunteer Fire Department who responded to the 7 p.m. wreck. The Alabama Department of Public Safety identified the victims as Danielle Pippins, 8; Jenelle Pippins, 8; and Savannah Furr Pippins, 11. They all attended Okaloosa County schools. Danielle and Jenelle Pippins were twin sisters and had just completed second grade at Antioch Elementary School in Crestview, said Wanda Avery, the recently appointed school principal.
Avery said her staff notified the school's teachers about the accident using the school's phone tree. "It's a very sad situation. We're all still in shock," she said.
Avery said the school is "open to offer help to the family in any way we can."
Savannah Furr Pippins had just completed sixth grade at Shoal River Middle School in Crestview, Principal Bob Jones said. "You knew who she was because you'd see her smiling so much," he said. Shoal River educators also were grieving.
"It's just been a very, very tough day for us,'' Jones said. The girls ' grandmother, Dianne Poire', 54, of Sarasota, was driving when the accident occurred
at the intersection of Alabama County Route 4 and Alabama State Route 137. She was taken by helicopter to Baptist Hospital in Pensacola, according to the Department of Public Safety's news release. She was listed in critical condition Wednesday.
Henley said two young women who he believed were returning to Birmingham, Ala., from a beach vacation on Route 4 ran a stop sign at the intersection of Route 137 and hit the Ford Tempo station wagon occupied by Poire' and the three girls. The impact of the T-bone collision "crushed that little station wagon like a bug," Henley said.
The Department of Public Safety identified Christine Harris as the driver or the 2010Toyota Corolla that ran into the Tempo. Harris was taken to a local hospital and treated for "non-life-threatening injuries," the news release said. Krista Hutchins of Wing said several residents rushed to the scene to try to help the victims.
She identified four of the good Samaritans as James Hooker, Greg Ross, Chet Ross and Barbara Jordan. "They pulled the little girls out and tried to get the lady out," Hutchins said. "Barbara and the others checked the girls' pulses, and when they realized they were gone they covered them and prayed for them." David Anderson, chief
deputy with the Covington County. Ala., Sheriff's Office said the residents "did everything they could" to help. "That's a good community down there. Those folks
are good to volunteer," he said. Henley, the firefighter, confirmed the children
were killed on impact and the grandmother had to be extricated from the vehicle.
The girls are survived by their mother and stepfather, Jenny and Jim Higdon of
Crestview, and their father, Eric Pippins of Crestview, according to an obituary
from Whitehurst Powell Funeral Home.
Dally News Staff Writer Katie Tammen contributed to this report.
Northwest Florida Daily News
Okaloosa County
Northwest Florida Daily News
tmclaughlin@nwfdailynew.com
Three sisters from Baker were killed and their grandmother was seriously injured Tuesday in a traffic accident in Wing, Ala., just north of the Florida line.
"It was the worst thing we've had in Wing in awhile," said Derek Henley, a firefighter with the Wing Volunteer Fire Department who responded to the 7 p.m. wreck. The Alabama Department of Public Safety identified the victims as Danielle Pippins, 8; Jenelle Pippins, 8; and Savannah Furr Pippins, 11. They all attended Okaloosa County schools. Danielle and Jenelle Pippins were twin sisters and had just completed second grade at Antioch Elementary School in Crestview, said Wanda Avery, the recently appointed school principal.
Avery said her staff notified the school's teachers about the accident using the school's phone tree. "It's a very sad situation. We're all still in shock," she said.
Avery said the school is "open to offer help to the family in any way we can."
Savannah Furr Pippins had just completed sixth grade at Shoal River Middle School in Crestview, Principal Bob Jones said. "You knew who she was because you'd see her smiling so much," he said. Shoal River educators also were grieving.
"It's just been a very, very tough day for us,'' Jones said. The girls ' grandmother, Dianne Poire', 54, of Sarasota, was driving when the accident occurred
at the intersection of Alabama County Route 4 and Alabama State Route 137. She was taken by helicopter to Baptist Hospital in Pensacola, according to the Department of Public Safety's news release. She was listed in critical condition Wednesday.
Henley said two young women who he believed were returning to Birmingham, Ala., from a beach vacation on Route 4 ran a stop sign at the intersection of Route 137 and hit the Ford Tempo station wagon occupied by Poire' and the three girls. The impact of the T-bone collision "crushed that little station wagon like a bug," Henley said.
The Department of Public Safety identified Christine Harris as the driver or the 2010Toyota Corolla that ran into the Tempo. Harris was taken to a local hospital and treated for "non-life-threatening injuries," the news release said. Krista Hutchins of Wing said several residents rushed to the scene to try to help the victims.
She identified four of the good Samaritans as James Hooker, Greg Ross, Chet Ross and Barbara Jordan. "They pulled the little girls out and tried to get the lady out," Hutchins said. "Barbara and the others checked the girls' pulses, and when they realized they were gone they covered them and prayed for them." David Anderson, chief
deputy with the Covington County. Ala., Sheriff's Office said the residents "did everything they could" to help. "That's a good community down there. Those folks
are good to volunteer," he said. Henley, the firefighter, confirmed the children
were killed on impact and the grandmother had to be extricated from the vehicle.
The girls are survived by their mother and stepfather, Jenny and Jim Higdon of
Crestview, and their father, Eric Pippins of Crestview, according to an obituary
from Whitehurst Powell Funeral Home.
Dally News Staff Writer Katie Tammen contributed to this report.
Northwest Florida Daily News
Okaloosa County
2 hurt, but baby OK in Saturday crash
Two Miami motorists were hospitalized, but an infant was uninjured, in a two-car crash about 5:13 p.m. Saturday at Mile Marker 63 in which a pickup rolled on its side, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Michael Escolona, 20, was driving a 1998 Honda south with Jessica Lam, 20, of Miami, and an infant in a car seat, when he
reportedly rear-ended a Toyota pickup driven by 71-year-old Felix Hernandez, who was slowing to turn left into a parking lot at the south end of Long Key Bridge, the release states. Hernandez also had a passenger, Fnu Hernandez, 70. Felix Hernandez was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami; Fnu Hernandez was taken to Fishermen's Hospital in Marathon. All four adults were wearing seat belts.
The infant was properly secured in the car seat of the Honda and was not hurt, the report says. The crash closed the highway for about an hour and 15 minutes.
Free Press
Monroe County
reportedly rear-ended a Toyota pickup driven by 71-year-old Felix Hernandez, who was slowing to turn left into a parking lot at the south end of Long Key Bridge, the release states. Hernandez also had a passenger, Fnu Hernandez, 70. Felix Hernandez was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami; Fnu Hernandez was taken to Fishermen's Hospital in Marathon. All four adults were wearing seat belts.
The infant was properly secured in the car seat of the Honda and was not hurt, the report says. The crash closed the highway for about an hour and 15 minutes.
Free Press
Monroe County
Monday, June 20, 2011
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Traffic crashes kill 3 in bay area; hit-run driver sought
Three people were killed in separate accidents across the Tampa Bay area early this weekend.
A man died from injuries after he was struck by a sport utility vehicle in Tampa early Saturday
while crossing against the traffic light on 50th Street at Broadway Avenue, police said. The SUV
driver never stopped.
Aaron Keith Cordes, 57, was pushing a shopping can in the crosswalk when he was struck by
the northbound SUV, police said. Several witnesses tried to render aid to Cordes until police officers and paramedics arrived and started CPR Cordes died several hours later.
Police are searching for a black SUV, possibly a 1990s or early 2000 model, with chrome trim.
The front end may be marked with blue paint from the shopping cart.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Tampa Police Department at (813) 231-6130.
In Clearwater, a scooter driver died Friday evening after being hit by a car, city officials said.
The crash happened at Drew and NE Cleveland streets just before 9 p.m. Authorities said
a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Jennifer Ruth Knoepp, 47,of Seminole, turned in front of
the scooter and bit it The scooters driver- Malia del Carmen Ruiz de Rentetia, 44, of Pinellas
Park- died at a hospital. Her passenger - lbolonia lbrres, 41, of Clearwater - was flown to
Bayfront Medical Center with injuries that were serious but not life-threatening. Alcohol is not
believed to be a factor, authorities said. Knoepp was cited for a right-of-way violation.
And a 27-year-old Tampa man died Friday night after he lost control of his motorcycle on the
Veterans Expressway and hit a guardrail, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Christopher Mello was traveling south near Linebaugh Avenue just before midnight when he lost oontrol of his 2005 Yamaha on a curve and struck the guardrail on the west shoulder, the Highway Patrol said. He died at the scene. Mello was wearing a helmet. The incident remains under investigation.
St Petersburg Times
Pinellas County
May 15, 2011
A man died from injuries after he was struck by a sport utility vehicle in Tampa early Saturday
while crossing against the traffic light on 50th Street at Broadway Avenue, police said. The SUV
driver never stopped.
Aaron Keith Cordes, 57, was pushing a shopping can in the crosswalk when he was struck by
the northbound SUV, police said. Several witnesses tried to render aid to Cordes until police officers and paramedics arrived and started CPR Cordes died several hours later.
Police are searching for a black SUV, possibly a 1990s or early 2000 model, with chrome trim.
The front end may be marked with blue paint from the shopping cart.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Tampa Police Department at (813) 231-6130.
In Clearwater, a scooter driver died Friday evening after being hit by a car, city officials said.
The crash happened at Drew and NE Cleveland streets just before 9 p.m. Authorities said
a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Jennifer Ruth Knoepp, 47,of Seminole, turned in front of
the scooter and bit it The scooters driver- Malia del Carmen Ruiz de Rentetia, 44, of Pinellas
Park- died at a hospital. Her passenger - lbolonia lbrres, 41, of Clearwater - was flown to
Bayfront Medical Center with injuries that were serious but not life-threatening. Alcohol is not
believed to be a factor, authorities said. Knoepp was cited for a right-of-way violation.
And a 27-year-old Tampa man died Friday night after he lost control of his motorcycle on the
Veterans Expressway and hit a guardrail, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Christopher Mello was traveling south near Linebaugh Avenue just before midnight when he lost oontrol of his 2005 Yamaha on a curve and struck the guardrail on the west shoulder, the Highway Patrol said. He died at the scene. Mello was wearing a helmet. The incident remains under investigation.
St Petersburg Times
Pinellas County
May 15, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Car Slams Into School Bus
Workers pull a mangled car from under a school bus Thursday near the intersection of U.S.17 and Golf Course Boulevard, east of Punta Gorda. Officials say the driver of the car suffered life-threatening injuries in the crash. Two of the approximately 40 East Elementary School students on the bus were taken to a local hospital with minor injuries.
Seven-year-old Cierra Deel, a second-grader at East Elementary, was seated near the back of the bus when the crash occurred. Cierra said she felt the car slam into the bus, forcing several of her schoolmates onto the floor and aisle. “I was scared a lot," she said, wearing a brave smile. "But I was sitting with my friend and be was protecting me." Cierra was checked over by paramedics at the scene as her worried parents looked on. All three shed a few tears during their hugged-filled reunion.
The second-grader bashfully admitted that she also cried as she watched one of her friends taken by ambulance to a local hospital. "She hurt her back. She was struck hard and then fell on the floor," Cierra said.
She and all other students not taken to the hospital were brought back to East Elementary School located just blocks from the crash scene on Fairway Drive, with parents advised of the news through the district's automated phone alert system, Parent Link.
Peggy McQueen's 11-year-old grandchild called her frantically after the crash. The Charlotte County woman sped to the scene as quickly as she could, still dressed only in her pajamas. "They're all pretty shook up," McQueen said of the students as she headed back to her car. "My heart is still racing too."
Several distressed parents arrived at the scene, scanning the dozens of children grouped together in a grassy area off the north side ofU.S.17. Many were escorted by law enforcement and school officials across the busy highway to be reunited with their children. After a while, though, parents and other family members were instructed to head to the school as law enforcement and school officials boarded the students onto a different bus that was headed back to East Elementary. That frustrated a few parents, who didn't know at first whether their child was one of the few transported to a hospital. Mike Riley, spokesman for district, said alerts were sent out to parents immediately once radio dispatch called in and reported the crash. Naturally, the alerts were beaten, time wise, by cell phone calls from those at the scene, Riley said.
Emergency workers and school officials keep a watch on dozens of East Elementary School students uninjured in a school bus crash Thursday in Punta Gorda. Two students were taken to Peace River Regional Medical Center with minor injuries. Four other students also suffered "very minor injuries” officials said.
However, many parents first received news of the crash from their frightened children themselves, as many of the older students called their families on their cell phones.
Several parents at the scene expressed concerns that the bus route included crossing the intersection of U.S. 17and Golf Course Boulevard, an intersection without a traffic light that many said is dangerous and prone to collisions. Riley said bus routes are thoughtfully mapped out, with officials utilizing a number of computer programs that review traffic flow, lights and congestion. He said he couldn't recall a past school bus accident at this intersection, but that the district would review it, citing the district's top concern for student safety.
Friday, March 4, 2011
"Three cycling deaths in three weeks is three too many"
Three bicyclists have been killed during the past three weeks, all of them while pedaling on roads in our backyard.
Firefighter John Wilson was struck by an SUV in Jupiter on Feb. 7. He was 50 years old.
Two days later, cyclist Gary Zimmer was hit by a car while riding in a bike lane on the Jensen Beach Causeway. He was 67.
And last Friday morning, Nicholas Rybka, died after he was hit by an 83-year-old tour bus driver in Vero Beach. He was 21.
I wish I could say the deaths were an anomaly — but they are not. More people die on bikes in Florida than any other state in the country.
In 2009, 107 bicyclists died in traffic accidents in Florida, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's most recent data.
That's eight more deaths than California, which has double the population. Our state led the country in deaths in 2008, too,
"There's something seriously wrong in Florida," said John Goings, a Palm City resident and president of the Treasure Coast Cycling Association.
The main problem, he believes, is that motor-vehicle drivers aren't aware of the laws.
They don't know that state statutes require them to stay 3 feet away from cyclists when passing. They aren't aware that the law treats bicycles as vehicles that have a right to the road, too.
Goings logs about 150 miles a week on his bike. While he has never been hit by a car, he knows plenty of cyclists who have been.
John Mildenberger is among them. Road rash covered half of his face after a car struck him on the Stuart causeway in 2004.
"My bike was demolished under the car. Fortunately, I was launched over the hood," the 55-year-old told me. He was knocked unconscious, but avoided lasting injury.
Three years later, while biking in Port Salerno, he was hit again when a car turned into his path in the bike lane.
"My left hand took off their rear view mirror, and I went over the handlebars," said Mildenberger, a resident of Sewall's Point. He broke his collar bone that time.
And yet cyclists are demonized by some drivers.
"I've had people scream at me. The common one is, "Get off the road, get on the sidewalk!' " Mildenberger said.
A passerby once hurled a grapefruit at Goings' wife while she was on her bike. He's been given the "one finger salute" more than a few times himself.
Goings realizes it's difficult to enforce laws that protect cyclists, including the 3-foot rule. Unless police happen to witness a violation, it's difficult to prove.
Some cyclists have taken to wearing cameras on their helmets so they can document the most blatant of violations, Goings told me.
Mildenberger would like to see local law enforcement officers get more aggressive about enforcement. He would like more road signs urging drivers to watch for cyclists, too.
"Of course, we want all the bike lanes we can get — but we realize it costs money and takes time," said Mildenberger, who is a member of Martin County's Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.
Not all cycling accidents are the fault of motor vehicle drivers. About half are the result of cyclists violating basic rules of the road, according to the Florida Bicycle Association.
But the other half? Those of us behind the wheel have a responsibility to prevent them.
For more information please visit: http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2011/feb/28/eve-samples-three-cycling-deaths-in-three-weeks/
Automobile collides with bus
An elderly man was killed Sunday morning in an automobile accident with a Greyhound bus in Citrus County.
The elderly man was driving his car at about 8:25a.m., traveling southeast on U.S. 98 near the
Sugarmill Woods area of Homosassa. At the intersection of U.S. 98 and Oak Park Boulevard,
the elderly man attempted to make a u turn, according to an accident report from Florida Highway Patrol.
The gentlemen driving a 1998 Ford Taurus, turned into the path of a 1998 MCI Greyhound bus driven by a 67-year-old male from Tallahassee.
The bus was traveling northwest on U.S. 98 in the outside lane. The front of the Greyhound t-boned the Ford Taurus. The bus continued a short distance on U.S. 98 pushing the Ford Taurus about 200 feet northwest of the area of impact.
The elderly gentlemen was air lifted to Tampa General Hospital, where he died from his injuries
a short time later.
Neither the bus driver nor the 13 passengers were reported injured in the automobile and bus accident
Damages were reported to be $5000 as total for the car and the bus.
Both drivers were reported to have been wearing seat belts. Tests for alcohol are pending for both drivers as the car and bus accident remains under investigation.
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