Driver faces charges after accident

Posted 3/17/21

After a crash, a local man was charged with DUI and leaving the scene.

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Driver faces charges after accident

Posted

OKEECHOBEE — After reportedly crashing into the Taylor Creek Bridge guard rails, a local man was charged with DUI and leaving the scene of an accident.

On Friday, March 12 at approximately 2:15 a.m., Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Deputy Richard Varnadore was standing beside his patrol car near the 3000 block of U.S. 441 Southeast when he observed an SUV traveling south at a high rate of speed. Varnadore estimated the rate of speed to be about 90 mph in a 45 mph zone.

According to his arrest report, Varnadore jumped into his patrol car and gave chase. As the SUV went over the Taylor Creek Bridge, Varnadore saw him sideswipe another vehicle as he attempted to pass it on the right. He then bounced off the car and hit the guard rail, losing control. The driver regained control and fled at speeds up to 60 mph in a posted 35 mph zone with Varnadore behind him, lights and siren activated. About a half mile past the bridge, the driver lost control of the SUV and crashed into a culvert.

The driver of the SUV was identified as Joseph William Holley, 29. Varnadore noted Holley had a strong odor of alcohol on his breath, and his eyes were bloodshot and watery.

The woman who was driving the car the SUV hit was uninjured and said she could not believe  he hit her and then just left.

Due to the accident, Okeechobee County Fire Rescue responded to the scene, and Holley, who complained of neck pain, was transported to Raulerson Hospital for treatment.

After Holley was released from the hospital, he was arrested and charged with DUI, leaving the scene of an accident with damages and fleeing law enforcement. His breath test results were reportedly 0.194 and 0.183. His bond was set at $6,500.

accident, arrest, DUI, OCSO

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