FHP: Highway 29 Crash May Have Been Alcohol Related

June 27, 2012

Two people were injured in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 29 in Ensley Wednesday afternoon that troopers said may have been caused by alcohol.

The accident happened about 12:35 p.m. at Highway 29 and Barber Street, about two blocks south of Walmart.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol,  17-year old David Hicks of Pensacola was northbound on Highway 29 when his 1999 GMC pickup crossed over the grassy median, went airborne and struck a 2012 Dodge Voyager. The driver of the Dodge, 67-year old James Benson, Jr., of Gulf Breeze was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital with minor injuries.

Hicks was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in serious condition. The Florida Highway Patrol said the crash may have been alcohol related and charges against Hicks are pending blood test results.

Pictured top: The truck driven by a 17-year in an accident on Highway 29 at Barber Street early Wednesday afternoon. Reader submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Comments

6 Responses to “FHP: Highway 29 Crash May Have Been Alcohol Related”

  1. Mark on June 28th, 2012 3:13 pm

    “The Florida Highway Patrol said the crash may have been alcohol related and charges against Hicks are pending blood test results.”

    Hmmmm, from what I just read, it doesn’t seem like any speculation was made, except maybe on the part of the FHP.

    Don’t blame the media for reporting on what they are “told”.

  2. William on June 28th, 2012 12:32 pm

    Michelle — According to the FHP report, alcohol *was* involved. I added the *might* part since there’s always the chance the blood test could contradict any other field test, breath test etc that they *might* have conducted. So there’s no speculation, just the facts.

  3. Michelle on June 28th, 2012 12:26 pm

    Hello William, I as well think the same way as Dee on the remark about the FHP stated that “alcohol might be a factor, pending on blood results”.

    So it was printed as you put “as the facts are know. Which they clearly are not at this time. Please don’t speculate. That will make things worse if and when (or any crime story) it goes to court or trial, ideas are put into people heads and they will run with it.

    Fact is the truth, speculation is guessing. Don’t judge this young man to soon. If he was under the influence, then that FACT will come to light.

    I still enjoy your reporting. I pray that both young Mr Benson and Mr Hicks recover quickly as possible from their injuries.

  4. William on June 28th, 2012 9:48 am

    >>Why does everything get printed or announced before facts are known?

    Because the Florida Highway Patrol released the facts involving the accident in a report. So nothing was printed “before facts are know”. The FHP report contains the facts.

  5. Dee Parker on June 28th, 2012 9:37 am

    Why does everything get printed or announced before facts are known? Let’s all jump on a 17 year old immediately and assume the worse.

  6. Really on June 27th, 2012 5:44 pm

    A 17 year old drinking his lunch… I hope the judge realizes how serios this is… how many will die if he doesn,t get a hold on it now.:-( some people can’t drink at all… It!s in their brain…very different body chemistry…