A head-on collision on Starkey Road near Somerset Drive in unincorporated Largo resulted in serious injuries and the arrest of one driver for DUI. The crash occurred on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at approximately 6:12 p.m.
A Pinellas County deputy rolled up on the scene to find a white work van on its left side and a heavily damaged Toyota 4Runner in the roadway. The driver of the van, 64-year-old James Thompson of Seminole, and the driver of the 4Runner both sustained serious injuries and required extrication from their vehicles.
Volunteers and deputies worked to access the drivers until fire rescue crews arrived. It took over 20 minutes to extricate Thompson from the van. Both drivers were transported as trauma alerts to Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital in St. Petersburg.
Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) troopers determined the crash was a head-on collision caused by Thompson driving southbound in the inside northbound lane after crossing over a concrete median. Both drivers attempted to swerve to avoid the collision, but the front passenger corners of the vehicles collided.
At the hospital, troopers noted that Thompson displayed signs of impairment, including bloodshot, watery eyes, slurred speech, a flushed face, and the odor of alcohol. A preliminary investigation revealed Thompson admitted to consuming alcohol before invoking his Miranda rights. A hospital blood test showed his ethanol level to be .232, nearly three times the legal limit. According to arrest information, Thompson has three prior DUI convictions.
The young male driver of the 4Runner sustained a broken left arm and multiple lacerations.
Thompson is charged with Reckless Driving and DUI with Serious Bodily Injury. His bail was set at $65,000, and he will be required to wear a continuous alcohol monitor (CAM) upon release.
Source : IONTB
