OCALA, Fla. (CBS12) — An internal investigation is ongoing after two brothers were allowed to leave a scene before crashing into another vehicle, resulting in two fatalities.
The crash occurred at 2:41 p.m. at the intersection of SE Maricamp Road and SE 36th Avenue. Authorities reported that the brothers, ages 33 and 24, were in a dark red Dodge minivan when it collided with a black Mazda SUV, killing a 50-year-old woman and her 31-year-old son.
Following the crash, both brothers were transported to a local hospital. The older brother, who was driving, is reported to be in critical condition.
Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken stated during a Thursday news conference that officers had previously interacted with the brothers just minutes before the crash while they were engaged in an argument on a sidewalk. Witnesses indicated that the vehicle was blocking a traffic lane and showed signs of impairment.
Despite indications of possible DUI, the officers did not conduct an investigation. The brothers were permitted to leave, leading to the fatal collision shortly afterward.
Chief Balken has ordered an internal affairs investigation into potential policy violations by the officers involved. The primary officer, reportedly new to the department, has been placed on paid administrative leave, pending the investigation's outcome. Two other responding officers did not recognize the signs of impairment noted by the primary officer.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing.