Authorities in Marion County, Florida, have arrested a 21-year-old man on DUI charges following a fatal crash that took the life of an Ocala woman in February. According to a report from the Florida Highway Patrol, James Carter was the driver of the SUV involved in the incident.
Troopers said the 50-year-old woman was killed in a two-vehicle crash at C.R. 484 and San Pedro Boulevard in Marion County on Feb. 1 around 7 a.m.
According to a crash report, Kia Sorento SUV was traveling east on C.R. 484 at the same time a Kia Forte sedan was traveling west on C.R. 484.
Troopers determined that the SUV, driven by Carter, was heading east on C.R. 484 when it veered out of its lane, crossed the double yellow line, and collided head-on with a sedan traveling west on the same road.
According to the arrest report, a box of Twisted Tea Hard Iced Tea and several open cans were found in the front passenger area of Carter’s SUV.
The driver of the sedan was taken to the hospital where she was later pronounced dead.
Troopers said Carter was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.
During questioning at the hospital after the crash, Carter voluntarily disclosed that his driver’s license had been suspended. He also acknowledged consuming alcoholic beverages before getting behind the wheel and confirmed his role as the SUV driver involved in the collision. Furthermore, troopers noted that Carter’s eyes appeared glossy at the time of the interview.
Troopers said that Carter’s driver’s license was suspended on Sept. 21, 2024 and his blood alcohol level came back as 0.104 and 0.103, above the legal limit of 0.08.
According to the report, Carter was arrested on May 22, and taken to the Marion County jail.
He faces charges of DUI manslaughter, DUI, DUI with property damage, driving with a suspended license and for several traffic violations.
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