FDOT Road Ranger Killed While Protecting Crash Scene on I-75; Bradenton Man Arrested for DUI Manslaughter
PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — A Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Road Ranger was tragically killed Sunday night while helping protect motorists at the scene of a crash on Interstate 75, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The deadly incident happened around 8:28 p.m. on July 12 near mile marker 274 on I-75 in Pasco County.
According to FHP, Road Rangers had responded to a separate two-vehicle crash to assist with traffic control and help keep other drivers safe. As crews worked to establish a lane closure, one of the Road Rangers, a 24-year-old Brandon man, was on foot setting up the closure.
Investigators say an Acura MDX drove between two clearly marked Road Ranger vehicles before striking the Road Ranger.
Despite emergency response efforts, the 24-year-old suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Florida Highway Patrol says the driver of the Acura, 40-year-old Darren Christopher Jenkins of Bradenton, was taken into custody following the crash. After providing a breath sample, investigators say Jenkins registered a breath alcohol concentration of 0.334, more than four times Florida's legal limit of 0.08.
Jenkins was arrested and charged with DUI Manslaughter before being transported to the Pasco County Jail.
The tragedy underscores the dangers faced every day by Road Rangers, law enforcement officers, firefighters, tow truck operators, and emergency crews who work just feet away from fast-moving traffic to keep Florida's roadways safe.
The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash.
Source: Florida Highway Patrol, information provided to iSkyNews.com.
Stay with iSkyNews.com for updates as additional information becomes available.
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