Police chase ends in crash and death of a Florida deputy

A Florida police deputy has been killed as the result of a serious car accident following the pursuit of a suspect. The deputy sustained catastrophic injuries and died after receiving three blood transfusions.

Police reports indicate that the suspect was a convicted felon who had apparently failed to follow his drug offender curfew on the night of the chase. The deputy, 35, and a police sergeant followed the suspect's car, which was traveling at a high speed in the wrong direction on a highway. The deputy lost control of his vehicle during the pursuit, crashing into a nearby tree. Witnesses claim the 35-year-old deputy's vehicle caught fire shortly after the crash.

Soon after, the police sergeant crashed his car as well, colliding with a truck and a utility pole.

Both officers were injured in the crashes. The sergeant suffered minor injuries. However, the deputy was flown to a nearby hospital, where he eventually died. He is survived by his wife and two young children.

Other police officers eventually caught the suspect and arrested him for fleeing, trying to evade a law enforcement agent, violating the terms of his probation and felony murder.

Following the tragic crash, Florida's governor issued a public statement in which he expressed his sadness regarding the accident and offered his condolences to the deputy's family. He stressed the importance of law enforcement officers and the risks they take to keep others safe.

This story shows just how catastrophic a car accident can be. For the deputy who was killed, his wife and children are suddenly without a husband and father. This incident should serve as a reminder to all Florida drivers that being safe and following traffic laws are of the utmost importance in keeping Florida roads free of danger.

Source: tambabay.com, "Funeral set for Hernando County deputy who died pursuing suspect in multicounty chase," John Woodrow Cox, 06 July 2011