OCALA, Fla. (CBS12) — An internal investigation is underway following a fatal crash involving two brothers who had previously interacted with police.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:41 p.m. on SE Maricamp Road at SE 36th Avenue. According to authorities, the brothers, aged 33 and 24, were driving a dark red Dodge minivan when they collided with 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; the driver, the older brother, is in critical condition. Police Chief Mike Balken stated during a Thursday news conference that the brothers had been seen arguing on a sidewalk near State Road 200 just moments before the crash, with indications they may have been impaired by alcohol.
Balken confirmed that the responding officers did not conduct a DUI investigation or assess the driver's impairment before allowing the brothers to leave the scene. An internal affairs investigation has been initiated to examine potential policy violations, with the primary officer placed on paid administrative leave. This officer is reported to have only recently completed field training approximately 30 days prior.
Additionally, two other officers responded but reportedly did not recognize signs of impairment. The investigation into the crash is ongoing.