Century Man Found Guilty Of Highway 97 DUI

October 18, 2010

A driver arrested for DUI after a late May wreck in Walnut Hill has been found guilty.

Dusty D. Mason, 24, of Still Road, Century, was sentenced to 12 months probation, 50 hours of community service and ordered to pay $1,350 in fees and court costs. He will also be required to attend DUI school, may be responsible for damage restitution and his driver’s license was revoked for 12 months.

Mason, 24, of Still Road, Century, was taken into custody by the Florida Highway Patrol following a May 30 wreck on Highway 97 just north of Tungoil Road.

Mason was northbound on Highway 97 when he ran off the roadway, struck a power pole, continued north in the ditch and went over a driveway, with his Chevrolet coming to rest back on the edge of Highway 97. He refused medical treatment following the crash.

The power pole that Mason struck was broken about 12 feet off the ground. Residents in the area did not lose power immediately after the crash. But an unknown number of Escambia River Electric Cooperative customers south of Howell Road lost power about 9:40 p.m. as the power company worked to replace the broken pole.

The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue responded to the call.

Pictured top: Dusty D. Mason was arrested for DUI following this May crash on Highway 97. Pictured top inset:  Mason, 24, is taken into custody by the Florida Highway Patrol after the accident. Pictured below: A power pole was broken in the crash. Pictured below: A portion of the power pole was lodged between a tire and rim in the accident. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.

Comments

7 Responses to “Century Man Found Guilty Of Highway 97 DUI”

  1. Mrs.Hollingsworth on October 21st, 2010 9:44 pm

    Dusty you hang in there. I know Dusty he was a good student on my bus and never gave me any problem. Dusty i HATED to here about this and I hope and pray you get your life together. Please think about what you are going to do with the rest of your life before it is to late.

  2. David Huie Green on October 21st, 2010 2:31 pm

    and of course, nolo contendere basically means “I do not wish to contend.” or
    “I don’t disagree with the charge”

  3. William on October 20th, 2010 1:50 pm

    >He did plead guilty

    According to court records, he first pleaded not guilty and then at a later hearing entered a plea of nolo contendere and was found guilty. He never pleaded guility per the court records.

  4. SB on October 20th, 2010 1:46 pm

    He did plead guilty and he did receive the wake up call needed. Every one makes mistakes… unfortunately even the greatest of people do as well, and this young man is a great individual. Who among us has not been stupid at one point in our lives? Dusty, hang in there, dear. I’m for you, love.

  5. question on October 18th, 2010 8:26 pm

    Who pays for damage such as fire hydrants,power poles, and road signs? Does the county or the person that does the damage? Does the persons insurance pay for the damage ? I think the person that is drunk should have to pay for this out of their pocket. Insurance rates are high enough. Drinking and driving does not pay this should be clear to .

  6. Dave on October 18th, 2010 7:59 am

    If he plead guilty, then the sentence was fair. If he plead not guilty and wasted the courts time with a trail, then he should have gotten some jail time. Everyone deserves a fair trial,but if your guilty and know it,then you should fess up to the crime and don”t waste everyones time. This may be a wake up call for this young man,however, if he repeats this action, then jail time should be the only option.

  7. mary on October 18th, 2010 5:03 am

    Does he have to pay for the power pole? I’ve heard they cost a bunch. Sounds like he got off EZ!