OCALA, Fla. (CBS12) — A police officer in Ocala is on paid administrative leave following a crash that killed two people on SE Maricamp Road on Thursday.
Authorities said two brothers, ages 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 brothers were transported to the hospital, with the driver reported in critical condition, according to Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken.
Balken stated that officers had interacted with the brothers minutes before the crash. Witnesses reported the brothers were arguing and showed possible signs of impairment while their vehicle was blocking a traffic lane near State Road 200.
Despite indications of possible intoxication, officers did not conduct a DUI investigation or assess the drivers' impairment levels, allowing them to leave the scene.
An internal investigation has been initiated to review potential policy violations by the involved officers. The primary officer, who has been with the agency for about 30 days, has been placed on leave.
The crash is under ongoing investigation by the Ocala Police Department.