.jpg)
Authorities have arrested a suspect from Clearwater who is facing multiple charges for a DUI crash that killed one person last year. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the suspect is Abimael Dedho-Baltazar, 22, of Clearwater.
The unfortunate accident took place in March 2019. Baltazar was driving the car at the time and had two other passengers in the car with him. Near the Boynton Beach Boulevard, he lost control of the car while speeding at 98mph. The car became airborne as he lost control and two of the passengers were ejected at the time. Of these, one sustained serious injuries and died as the car crashed into a palm tree.
Baltazar and the other passenger also sustained serious injuries in the crash and were rushed to the Delray Medical Center. As the troopers arrived to investigate the accident, they found Baltazar unconscious and admitted to the ICU.
The troopers were told by the hospital staff that Baltazar would remain in ICU for an unspecified period, which prevented them from performing a breath test.
However, a standard blood test was performed on Baltazar after he had arrived in the hospital. This was done on the orders of the doctor treating him. The test revealed that Baltazar had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.141, which is way above the legal BAC limit of 0.08 in Florida. The blood tests also revealed that Baltazar had smoked marijuana prior to the accident.
Authorities have now arrested Baltazar on multiple charges and he is being held on a bond of $110,000. The arrest took place on New Year’s Eve on Wednesday. Charges brought up against him include DUI manslaughter, vehicular homicide, and DUI property damage. DUI manslaughter carries a penalty of up to 15 years in prison. Vehicular homicide also carries a punishment of up to 15 years in prison. Contact our Florida DUI attorneys today for a free consultation.
