OCALA, Fla. (CBS12) — An internal investigation is underway following a fatal crash involving two brothers who had reportedly shown signs of impairment before the incident.
The collision occurred Thursday at the intersection of SE Maricamp Road and SE 36th Avenue. Authorities said the brothers, aged 33 and 24, were in a dark red Dodge minivan when they struck a black Mazda SUV, resulting in the deaths of a 50-year-old woman and her 31-year-old son.
Both brothers were transported to a local hospital, with the older brother, the driver of the minivan, listed in critical condition, according to Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken.
Balken stated that just minutes before the crash, officers responded to a report of the brothers arguing on the sidewalk near State Road 200, where their vehicle was obstructing traffic. Signs of potential impairment were noted, but no DUI investigation was conducted, and the brothers were allowed to leave.
“While the situation was already heartbreaking with the loss of two lives, it's become even more troubling upon discovering that our officers interacted with the brothers prior to the crash,” Balken said during a news conference.
An internal affairs investigation has been initiated to assess whether department policies were violated. The primary officer involved is currently on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. The officer is reportedly new to the force, having completed field training only 30 days prior.
The crash remains under investigation, and further inquiries are being conducted to determine the sequence of events leading to the collision.