Injured Passenger Dies From DUI Crash at SR 60 Intersection

According to statistics, each year there are more than 5,000 accidents that involve alcohol in Florida. Over 350 of these accidents result in fatal injuries. When a person is killed, the intoxicated driver can be charged with DUI manslaughter. A driver can be charged with this whether they are intoxicated by alcohol or drugs or a combination of the two.

DUI manslaughter is a second-degree felony in Florida and is punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. There is also a four-year mandatory sentence if convicted and the driver faces losing their license permanently. If they are able to get a hardship license, they may have to have an ignition interlock device installed and attend alcohol or drug treatment courses.

The Lakeland, Florida Patch reports that a Bartow man has been arrested 5 months after a DUI crash that killed one person.

Nearly five months ago, 23-year-old Dallas Droz was speeding in a 2007 Ford Taurus westbound on State Road 60. Near the intersection with Richland Road, Droz swerved into the median and struck the passenger side of a 2013 Chevrolet Impala being driven by Gabriel Bourne.

A passenger in Bourne’s vehicle, identified as Isabel Castro suffered from serious injuries in the accident. She was rushed to a local hospital where she succumbed to her injuries the following day.

Droz tested positive for cocaine, alcohol, cocaethylene, and benzoylecgonine at the time of the crash. An officer at the scene of the crash noted that there was spilled beer inside the vehicle.

Droz was arrested on May 18th at his residence. He is facing charges of vehicular homicide and DUI manslaughter.