EAGLE LAKE, FL – A man has been sentenced to 20 years in Florida State Prison in connection with a DUI manslaughter and leaving the scene of a crash case, according to the State Attorney’s Office.
John O’Brien was sentenced by Circuit Judge Carpanini for the April 25, 2020 crash that occurred near State Road 540 and Old Eagle Lake Road. Investigators determined O’Brien was driving under the influence of an illegal narcotic when he struck and fatally injured a wheelchair-bound pedestrian.
Following the crash, O’Brien’s vehicle was observed leaving the scene with a blown-out tire and severe front-end damage. Test results later showed he was positive for high amounts of Alprazolam.
Assistant State Attorney Josephine Colon prosecuted the case. State Attorney Brian Haas credited Colon and the Florida Highway Patrol for their work.
SOURCE: 10TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT STATE ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
