Highway 29 Accident Leads To McDavid Manhunt; Driver Charged With DUI
December 19, 2007
(Updated Wednesday, 8:15 pm)
An accident involving a Toyota SUV and a log truck on Highway 29 at 7:13 Tuesday night led to a manhunt for the driver of the SUV. The accident happened about a mile south of Bogia Road.
The driver of the Toyota has been identified by the Florida Highway Patrol as William Ryan Pouncey, 24, of Cantonment. Pouncey was charged with driving under the influence with property damage, leaving the scene of an accident, resisting arrest without violence, and violation of probation, according to troopers.
The driver side of the fully loaded 18-wheel log truck collided with the passenger side of the Toyota SUV driven by Pouncey when the SUV crossed the center line, according to a Florida Highway Patrol trooper. The Toyota came to rest just off Highway 29; the log truck was able to stop about 150 yards away. The side of Toyota was literally peeled away in the collision.
When firefighters from the McDavid Volunteer Fire Department arrived on the scene, they were unable to locate the driver of the SUV. Firefighters feared the driver had been ejected and began a search. Lifeflight was called to the scene.
Pouncey was spotted under a trailer home dozens of yards away, but then reportedly ran into nearby woods. Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies began a search for the driver. The sheriff’s department helicopter and K-9 dogs were called to the scene to search.
Pouncey (pictured left) was taken into custody by deputies off Highway 29 after traveling on foot from the trailer home back toward the wrecked SUV. He was turned over to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The driver of the log truck, a 55 year old from Milton, was not injured in the crash. Pouncey sustained minor injuries, according the the FHP.
Pictured top: The side of this Toyota SUV was peeled away in an accident Tuesday night on Highway 29. Pictured below: The front of this log truck was damaged, including damage to the fuel tank and several wheels, in Tuesday night’s crash. Click any picture on this page to enlarge.
Exclusive photos by NorthEscambia.com
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