OCALA, Fla. — On Thursday, Ocala Police announced an internal investigation following a fatal two-vehicle crash at SE Maricamp Road and SE 36th Avenue.
According to Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken, a dark red Dodge minivan carrying two brothers, ages 33 and 24, collided with a black Mazda SUV.
Authorities said a 50-year-old woman and her 31-year-old son in the SUV were killed. Both brothers were taken to a hospital; the 33-year-old driver was in critical condition.
Balken said officers had contacted the brothers minutes earlier near State Road 200 while their vehicle was blocking a traffic lane and noted indications they had been drinking.
According to the chief, officers did not conduct a DUI investigation or assess impairment and allowed the men to leave before the collision.
Balken ordered an Internal Affairs investigation into potential policy violations. The primary officer was placed on paid administrative leave; two additional officers, including a sergeant, also responded.
Authorities said the crash and the department's internal review remain under investigation.