OCALA, FL – Police said a teenager has been arrested on charges stemming from a fatal car accident in Ocala that occurred on Feb. 20.
In a news release, the Ocala Police Department said the 17-year-old suspect has been charged with DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide in connection with the accident near the 1500 block of SE 36th Avenue.
Investigators said the teen driver was driving a Mercedes SUV at over 120 miles per hour moments before the wreck with no evidence of braking. The Mercedes crashed into the back of a Mazda, causing it to strike a concrete utility pole. The Mazda returned to the roadway, overturned and caught fire.
The two occupants of the Mazda, 30-year-old Spencer Holden and his wife, 35-year-old Samantha Holden, both of Ocala, died at the scene.
A blood test revealed that the 17-year-old’s blood alcohol level was .188 at the time he was brought into the hospital with serious injuries. He faces two counts of DUI manslaughter, two counts of vehicular manslaughter, and three counts of DUI property damage.
“DUI-related crashes have severe consequences on our community. We take these cases seriously and are committed to bringing justice to the victims and their loved ones,” Ocala police said in a statement.
At Whittel & Melton, our Law Office is dedicated to handling all injury and death cases arising from automobile accidents, wrecks and crash situations. If you have been involved in a car crash caused by a reckless or negligent driver, our skilled Marion County car accident lawyers will fight hard on your behalf to obtain compensation for your accident-related expenses. Give us a call at 866-608-5529 or contact us online to setup a free consultation.