A retired Polk County Sheriff’s Office sergeant was killed in a crash involving a drunk driver, deputies said.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said it received a 911 call at 7:40 p.m. Monday reporting that a pedestrian had been hit on Van Fleet Drive in Bartow just west of the Walmart.
According to officials, 69-year-old DC of Bartow had pulled his car over on the road’s edge and turned on his hazards. He got out of his car to remove a large tote that had fallen from his vehicle and was creating a roadway hazard in the center lane.
“Sgt. C, who had retired in 2007, was simply trying to go back and do what a responsible person does – ‘I dropped something in the road, I want to rapidly get it out of the road’.”
Deputies said 50-year-old AW was driving a Jaguar S-type vehicle in the center lane when he struck C and then came to a stop.
C was taken to Bartow Regional Medical Center, where he was resuscitated multiple times but ultimately died from his injuries.
“He was all in. Everybody knew him. He loved to talk. He was the guy who visioned for the future. He always had new ideas and better ideas how things could be done and he wanted to make sure everybody knew them,” said Sheriff Judd. “Even after he retired, he would send me emails and texts – ‘I’ve got a new idea, sheriff, did you think about this?’ He was just a super great human being.”
Deputies said Wells smelled of alcohol and had slurred speech and watery eyes. He took a sobriety test and showed signs of impairment.
Wells was arrested and taken to the Sheriff’s Processing Center. There, deputies said Wells attempted to manipulate the breath alcohol test by not providing ample breath.
The test measured his breath samples at .092 and .105 (the legal threshold is .08), according to the sheriff’s office.
Wells reportedly told deputies that he had drank several beers prior to driving. An 11-year-old girl was also in the car with W. She was not injured in the crash.
“I would suggest to you that AW didn’t intend to kill anybody in a traffic crash but he intentionally drank that beer. No one poured it down his throat. No one stuck a funnel in his mouth,” said Sheriff J.
Wells was booked into the jail and charged with DUI manslaughter and negligent child abuse.
His first appearance Tuesday was continued to Wednesday after the state said it would be filing a pretrial detention motion and Wells said he wanted to find a private defense attorney.
“Sergeant DC was a public servant for over 20 years, and had been enjoying retirement for nearly as long, when he was tragically and senselessly struck and killed by an impaired motorist. The driver clearly has no regard for human life – not only choosing to get behind the wheel drunk but doing so with a child in the car. Our prayers are with DC’s family and loved ones.,” Sheriff GJ said.
Pedestrian accidents can lead to severe injuries and significant emotional distress. Ovadia Law Group is here to provide the legal support and guidance you need during this challenging time. Our experienced attorneys specialize in handling pedestrian accident cases, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve. We understand the complexities involved in these cases and are committed to thoroughly investigating the circumstances, gathering evidence, and representing you in negotiations or court proceedings. Our goal is to alleviate your burden and help you navigate the legal process with confidence. Don’t face this difficult situation alone—call Ovadia Law Group at 1-800-674-9396 for a free consultation and let us help you seek justice and recovery.
Source: wfla
