Fleeing suspect kills one, injures numerous others in Pensacola

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on January 23, 2017

A Pensacola, Florida woman who sustained injuries following an automobile accident involving a suspect fleeing from police has died. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the 78 year old woman died in the hospital after being involved in a multi-car, multi-pedestrian accident that left nine others injured. The accident happened on Friday, with the victim dying Sunday evening.

On the day of the accident, the victim was driving her 2005 Dodge van west on Blount Street, approaching the intersection with North P Street. As she crossed the intersection, she was hit by a 2014 Chevrolet van driven by a 23 year old male who, while fleeing an Escambia County Sheriff deputy, failed to stop at the intersection’s stop sign. According to the official police report, although the deputy had suspended their pursuit some time earlier in order to avoid a dangerous high-speed chase in a busy residential area, the suspect continued to flee.

Upon impact, the Chevrolet van left the road, hit a fence, swing set and four pedestrians who were in the nearby yard. The van then overturned. Once it came to a full stop, the suspect fled the scene on foot before later being apprehended by sheriff’s deputies.

In addition to the 78 year old woman driving the van that was hit, three passengers were also seriously injured, including a 50 year old male, 47 year old female and 56 year old male. The suspect also sustained minor injuries, as did his passenger, a 29 year old female. Three of the pedestrians involved sustained minor injuries, including a 44 year old female, 27 year old female and a 6 year old child. A 63 year old female pedestrian is listed as being seriously injured.

Police have charged the suspect with a least seven offenses, including reckless driving, operating a motor vehicle while driving with a suspended license and leaving the scene of a crash. Police say that pending the outcome of their investigation, charges for traffic homicide are likely to be added to this list.

If you or a loved one are the victim of a Florida motor vehicle accident, you may have the right to seek compensation for your injuries. To learn more, contact the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. today.

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.