Bradenton Man Charged with DUI Manslaughter After FDOT Road Ranger Killed on I-75 in Pasco County
A 40-year-old Bradenton man has been charged with DUI manslaughter after authorities say he struck and killed a Florida Department of Transportation Road Ranger who was assisting at a crash scene on Interstate 75 in Pasco County.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the fatal crash occurred shortly before 8:30 p.m. Sunday near Mile Marker 274 in Wesley Chapel. Road Rangers had responded to a separate two-vehicle crash and were providing traffic assistance when the incident happened.
Investigators said a 24-year-old Road Ranger from Brandon was on foot setting up a lane closure when an Acura SUV traveled between two Road Ranger vehicles and struck him. The worker suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Troopers identified the driver as Darren Jenkins of Bradenton. Following the crash, Jenkins was arrested and charged with DUI manslaughter.
According to FHP, Jenkins submitted a breath sample that measured 0.334, more than four times Florida’s legal blood alcohol concentration limit of 0.08. He was transported to the Pasco County Jail following his arrest.
The deadly crash has renewed attention on the dangers faced by roadside workers, including Road Rangers, tow truck operators and emergency responders. Under Florida’s Move Over Law, motorists are required to slow down and move over when approaching stopped emergency vehicles, tow trucks and service vehicles displaying flashing lights whenever it is safe to do so.
The identity of the Road Ranger has not yet been released as authorities continue working to notify family members.
The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash.
