A highway patrolman is facing criminal charges after rear-ending an SUV, according to local news. Florida Highway Patrol has reported that the trooper was not responding to an emergency call at the time of the car accident that injured two other individuals. They have not elaborated on what charges the trooper might be facing.
The accident report says the trooper was headed southbound on Del Rio Boulevard when the accident took place. An SUV ahead of the patrol car apparently slowed down for traffic, for which the trooper did not account. The patrol car smashed into the back of the SUV with considerable force, causing the larger vehicle to flip over onto its roof.
The two occupants of the SUV were injured in the crash and were taken to local hospitals for treatment. The trooper apparently did not require treatment and refused it at the scene. It is not clear whether he was arrested or simply charged on the scene, and police have not made clear the nature of the charges filed against him. It is unknown if the man has been suspended from work at this time. The investigation is still ongoing, according to a spokesperson for the department.
If it becomes clear that the car accident was the fault of the Florida highway patrol officer, the charges he faces may become more clearly articulated in the public view. Regardless of the outcome of any criminal hearing that may result from these charges, the two injured parties in the SUV will be entitled to file personal injury suits against the officer and possibly the department as well. It is important to note that evidence of wrongdoing on the part of the officer will be critical in obtaining financial remuneration for damages in the accident.
Source: wpbf.com, “Charges pending against FHP trooper in Port St. Lucie crash“, John Dzenitis, Dec. 1, 2014