VENICE – Deputies say it was a woman now behind bars, and not the victim of a fatal car crash, that was driving in Venice on New Year’s Day.
The crash happened when the driver of a Ford Taurus allegedly trying to flee from Sarasota County Sheriff’s Deputies and driving speeds of 60 mph on residential streets, lost control and slammed into a house in the 4600 block of Argonaut Road in Venice.
Deputies were trying to pull the vehicle over, because it couldn’t stay between the lines on the road, according to a report.
Early reports indicated a man that died in the crash, 42-year-old Richard Jones of Sarasota, was driving the car, but deputies now say that is not so.
The 24-year-old suspect has been charged with a long list of crimes following the crash and was arrested on Monday.
Deputies say the suspect was ejected from vehicle during the crash, and she and another woman in the car were flown by helicopter to Bayfront Medical Center for their injuries.
She told deputies at the crash scene that the man found dead in the passenger seat, Jones, had been driving.
According to a report, the suspect’s driver’s license had been suspended indefinitely for numerous violations.
Florida Highway Patrol Troopers also assisted in the investigation.
The suspect is charged with two counts of Vehicular Manslaughter, one being for an unborn child. It is not known if she or the other female passenger was pregnant. She is also charged with three counts of DUI With Serious Bodily Injury, two counts of Driving While License Suspended with Death or Serious Injury and one count of Fleeing to Elude.
She is being held in the Sarasota County Jail without bond.
Without a DUI attorney to protect her rights this women will be behind bars for at least 15 years.
Have you recently been charged with a DUI in Venice or elsewhere in Sarasota County? If so, we may be able to help you. Simple call 941-916-3627 to schedule your free consultation with a Venice, FL DUI lawyer now.
Tags: DUI Manslaughter
