Orlando Driver Arrested for DUI After Violent Car Crash on Hoffner Avenue

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on December 18, 2020

A man was arrested and charged with a DUI as well as property damage after crashing into a patrol car belonging to the Florida Highway Patrol while the officer in charge of the vehicle was assisting other FHP members in directing traffic after a fatal head on crash within Orange County. Reports from the Florida Highway Patrol stated that the officers had driven to Hoffner Avenue shortly before 10:00 p.m. after reports of a violent drunk driver accident involving three vehicles.

Once the local Orlando authorities arrived at the crash scene, many of the officers exited their patrol cars in order to assist with the cleanup and traffic direction in the area. One of the officers activated the flashing lights on their vehicle and positioned the car in such a way as to block a travel lane, affording the paramedics and EMTs the space to work with the injured.

It was while the officers were investigating the initial car crash and the emergency medical teams were tending to those involved in the crash that a 31-year-old from Merritt Island approached the area in a Ford Fusion. While other vehicles slowed in order to progress safely through the crash scene, the 31-year-old sped through the area, apparently unaware of the patrol vehicle and its flashing lights. As a result, the 31-year-old crashed into the patrol car with enough force to disable their vehicle.

Officers with the Florida Highway Patrol stated that the driver of the Focus smelled strongly of alcohol. Additionally, this person struggled to maintain balance while interacting with the officers. A field sobriety test was administered, and the driver failed. The 31-year-old was arrested and given a BAC test. The results of this test indicated that the 31-year-old had a blood alcohol content of between .371 and .383. This is almost five times the legal BAC limit of .08.

While the 31-year-old might have faced significant charges for their actions, the officers apparently felt that the issue was not overly concerning and instead issued only a DUI with property damage.

It is not believed that an investigation into the 31-year-old’s driving behavior or actions are under investigation. It is also not believed that this individual will lose their ability to continue driving their car.

Sources:

• Drunk driver plows through crime scene, hits patrol vehicle, troopers say

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.