Driver’s Ed Teacher Arrested in DUI Manslaughter Case; Accused of Tampering With Evidence
A Manatee County driver’s education teacher has become the second person arrested in connection with a July 7 DUI manslaughter crash that killed a 35-year-old Palmetto woman and critically injured a 28-year-old Bradenton man.
Bradenton police arrested Robert Viera, 52, on Aug. 4, alleging surveillance video shows him attempting to discard items from the vehicle involved after the collision. Viera is charged with tampering with evidence, a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. He was released on a $25,000 bond on Aug. 5 and entered a not guilty plea on Aug. 13. Court records direct him to have no contact with the co-defendant or the victims’ family members while he awaits arraignment on Sept. 19.
According to the School District of Manatee County, Viera remains employed pending the outcome of the case but has been reassigned from driver’s education to the district’s print shop.
Police say the crash occurred around 10:15 p.m. on July 7 at 42nd Avenue West and 59th Street West after Viera and the driver, Milton May Jr., 52, left Clancy’s Sports Bar and Grill and headed east on 42nd Avenue West. May’s vehicle collided with a northbound motorcycle at the intersection. The motorcycle’s passenger later died of her injuries; the rider sustained serious injuries and, as of July 29, could open his eyes but could not move from the chin down, according to court filings.
Investigators say newly obtained video shows May and Viera inside Clancy’s before the crash. The footage depicts Viera walking toward the passenger side of May’s vehicle, holding a light-colored cup, while May, described as stumbling slightly, carries a black tumbler. The video then shows May placing the cups in the car, starting the vehicle, and driving away. After the collision, police say Viera exited, observed the victims, returned to the vehicle, removed a bag from the rear passenger area, placed items into it, and discarded the bag behind a nearby building. Officers reported finding no cups inside the vehicle during a subsequent search and allege Viera removed cups and possibly other alcohol.
According to the police affidavit, transaction records and video indicate seven drinks were ordered between May and Viera at Clancy’s prior to the crash. Using May’s approximate weight, investigators estimate about 10 drinks would be required to reach May’s recorded blood-alcohol content of 0.097 at Blake Medical Center, suggesting alcohol may have been consumed elsewhere or brought to the bar. The report notes that May refused a field sobriety test at the scene after his attorney arrived, and that he exhibited glossy eyes, a strong odor of alcohol, and heavily slurred speech. At the hospital, May allegedly told staff he had a vodka-and-tea beverage before attempting to retract the statement.
May pleaded not guilty to charges of DUI manslaughter (second-degree felony) and DUI with serious bodily injury (third-degree felony). He was arrested on July 10 and released the same day after posting a $350,000 bond.
Bradenton Police Department traffic homicide investigators continue to pursue the case. Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Ian Emrich at ian.emrich@bradentonpd.com.