Wrong-Way DUI Crash on I-75 Kills Bradenton Woman, Sarasota Man Arrested
A 21-year-old woman from Bradenton was killed early Saturday morning in a wrong-way crash on Interstate 75 in Charlotte County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Troopers said the crash happened shortly after 1 a.m. on May 17 and involved four vehicles traveling on I-75. Investigators said a 53-year-old Sarasota man, identified as Dennis Lee Olson, was driving a 2020 Ford F-150 southbound in the northbound lanes when the truck collided with two vehicles traveling in the correct direction.
One of the vehicles struck was a 2016 Kia Optima occupied by a 34-year-old woman and two boys, ages 12 and 15, all from Arcadia. All three occupants suffered serious injuries and were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
The second vehicle involved was a 2012 Honda CR-V driven by the 21-year-old Bradenton woman. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
A fourth vehicle sustained minor damage after striking debris from the crash. The driver of that vehicle was not injured.
Authorities said Olson suffered minor injuries. After being treated and cleared at a local hospital, he was arrested and booked into the Charlotte County Jail.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Olson faces charges of vehicular homicide and DUI manslaughter.
