OCALA, Fla. (CBS12) — An internal investigation is underway after a Florida police officer allowed two brothers to leave the scene despite indications of possible impairment, leading to a fatal crash on SE Maricamp Road on Thursday.
Authorities reported that a 33-year-old man driving a dark red Dodge minivan collided with a black Mazda SUV, resulting in the deaths of a 50-year-old woman and her 31-year-old son. The driver of the minivan and his 24-year-old brother were transported to the hospital, with the older brother reportedly in critical condition.
Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken stated during a news conference that officers had interacted with the brothers minutes before the crash, finding them arguing on a sidewalk near State Road 200 with their vehicle obstructing traffic. Witnesses indicated the brothers appeared to be intoxicated.
The involved officer did not conduct a DUI investigation and allowed the brothers to depart the scene. Balken has ordered an internal affairs investigation to examine potential policy violations, placing the responding officer on paid administrative leave.
The officer involved is new to the agency, having recently completed field training, while two additional officers were present but did not identify signs of impairment. The crash remains under investigation, and more details will be released as they become available.