skip to content
blog home Car Accident Flagler Woman Injures Officer After Leaving Her Car In Gear

Flagler Woman Injures Officer After Leaving Her Car In Gear

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on January 14, 2015

Law enforcement officers have a tough job. They help people who are in need and put their lives at risk. As a case in point…

On Nov. 30, Courtney Crichton’s boyfriend attempted to take the keys away from Crichton when she was leaving his Flagler County residence, but she drove off anyway. Crichton had been drinking, and the boyfriend believed she could not safely operate a vehicle. After Crichton had left, the boyfriend called the sheriff’s office, wanting them to know his intoxicated girlfriend was behind the wheel of vehicle.

Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Corp. Kevin Byrne, an eight-year veteran of the agency, was called to the scene. As he was talking to Crichton’s boyfriend at the residence, an Acura SUV arrived at the scene that was driven by Crichton. Byrne motioned for Crichton to speak with him when she arrived. He spoke with Crichton and asked her if she would agree to a field sobriety test. Crichton said she did not have a problem with the field sobriety test.

Crichton stepped out of the vehicle but forgot to put the Acura SUV in park. The vehicle rolled and pinned Byrne between the Acura and his patrol car, injuring the officer. Byrne was able to unpin himself and had a conversation with Crichton. The woman became verbally combative with the officer, telling Byrne that she had suffered a stroke two weeks earlier and needed an ambulance. She then refused to take a field sobriety test. She was arrested, continuing to yell obscenities at the officer.

Crichton was transported to Florida Hospital Flagler and was given a blood test. The test showed that her blood alcohol level was .158, twice the legal limit of .08 in Florida. She was charged with DUI, property damage, personal injury, and disorderly intoxication. The officer searched her vehicle and discovered unopened alcohol beverages.

Byrne suffered an injury to his right leg and was expected to miss several weeks of work.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident that was caused by a drunk driver, call us today at the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. – 877-FL-INJURY (877-354-6587).

James O. Cunningham

James O. CunninghamSince 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.

Related Articles:

Do I Have A Case?

padlock 100% Secure and Confidential

Martindale Hubbell | Highest Ethical standing
  • Bar Register Preeminent Lawyers
  • The Florida Bar Board Certified
  • NBLSC Board Certified Lawyers
  • Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
  • Lead Counsel Rated
  • Avvo Rating 10.0 Superb
  • The Florida Bar Certified Civil Trial Lawyer
  • Avvo Clients' Choice Personal Injury
  • Avvo Rating 10.0 Superb Top Attorney Personal Injury
  • Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent High Ethical Standing
  • The National Trial Lawyers Top 100
  • Super Lawyers
  • Florida Legal Elite

Client Testimonials

5 StarsMr. Cunningham is an excellent and knowledgeable attorney.
I would and have recommended Mr. Cunningham as an attorney. I am extremely happy with the service he has provided for me and my family. I will definately use Mr. Cunningham in the future if I ever need an attorney again. John, a Personal Injury client

Read Reviews

Request a free 30-minute case evaluation with attorney James O. Cunningham. Request Free Evaluation

Close Form

Receive a free case evaluation.

All submissions are personally reviewed by attorney James O. Cunningham within hours.

padlock 100% Secure and Confidential