OCALA, Fla. (CBS12) — An internal investigation is ongoing after two brothers allegedly drove away from a scene despite indications of impairment, leading to a fatal crash on SE Maricamp Road on Thursday.
According to authorities, the brothers, aged 33 and 24, were in a dark red Dodge minivan that collided with a black Mazda SUV at approximately 2:41 p.m. The crash resulted in the deaths of a 50-year-old woman and her 31-year-old son, both identified as occupants of the Mazda.
Emergency responders transported the brothers to a local hospital, with the 33-year-old driver reported in critical condition, said Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken during a Thursday news conference.
Balken noted that officers had encountered the brothers shortly before the crash while they were arguing on a sidewalk near State Road 200, with their vehicle obstructing traffic. Signs of possible impairment were evident; however, the officers did not conduct a DUI investigation. Instead, they permitted the brothers to leave the scene.
As a result, the primary officer involved has been placed on paid administrative leave, and an internal affairs investigation has been initiated to examine potential policy violations. The officer, noted to be relatively new on the force, had recently completed field training.
Two additional officers responded to the scene but did not recognize the signs of impairment, according to Balken. The crash investigation remains active.