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Teen Dead, One Injured After Being Hit By Deputy’s Cruiser
September 10, 2012
One teen pedestrian is dead and another injured after being struck by an Escambia County deputy’s cruiser early Monday morning in Pensacola.
Deputy Ty Brewton, 41, was westbound on Mobile Highway at the New Warrington Road overpass at 4:10 a.m. as two pedestrians were walking side-by-side in the inside westbound lane with their backs facing traffic, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Brewton “approaching the pedestrians from the rear was not able to recognize the pedestrians in the roadway in sufficient time to take evasive action,” according to a FHP report. The left front of his 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe collided with 16-year old Aaliyah S. Howard of Pensacola. She was pronounced deceased on the scene.
Louise Johnson, 16, was struck by the vehicle’s left side mirror; she was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital for minor injuries.
Brewton, who has been a deputy since 2006, was placed on paid administrative leave.
No charges were filed Monday morning in connection with the accident; the FHP said the crash is still under investigation.
Comments
50 Responses to “Teen Dead, One Injured After Being Hit By Deputy’s Cruiser”
This is terrible an clearly shows how important it is, not to walk near the road at night without reflective safety gear.
I had a terrible fright recently when a group of women, dressed in black crossed highway 29 north to frequent the nightclub on the opposite side, they just came up in my headlights and I down shifted and stood on the brakes. If you are going to walk to the bars that is great, but wear a reflective vest, same for children riding bikes on the 95A at 11pm.
Mr. Jansen sorry to say but u are wrong for ur comment. This officer was not expecting to see these two young ladies walking in the middle of Mobile Hwy. at 4:00 in the morning. It was stated elsewhere that they had on dark clothing. Plus there was a sidewalk about 16ft. away. Prayers for all involved.
Sorry for the family and deputy. I believe and hope that it was truly an unavoidable accident. If the girls were in the road and breaking the law doesn’t void that officer from paying attention and do his job and making them get out of the road. That’s his job. But if he was like some drivers that doesn’t pay attention or affected by telephone computer or text he should be cited for the death and injury of thoes teens even if they were not supposed to be there. The law has the responsibity to serve and protect the public even from themselves. If I had hit thoes girls and had been on the phone or text and they new they wold cite me for thoes teens no mater what they were doing.
I know Mrs. Edna Howard, the grandmother of the girl who died. She has been raising grandchildren since I met her in the 90’s. When there was a parent-teacher meeting, when a child was sick, when there was a play, it was not the parents, but Mrs. Edna Howard who came to the school. My condolences to her for her loss.
I also know the deputy involved. He is a good man with children of his own and a good deputy as well. He and his family will be in my prayers.
Stop blaming the officer!! I happen to know this deputy personally and he is an awesome person with a family of his own. Stop blaming the parents!!!! As a parent of four, you try as hard as you can, but stuff happens. It all comes down to education. These young ladies obviously did not know the rules of the road and neither do a great number of people making the comments on here. They also obviously don’t know the law regarding minors being out between the hours of 11pm and 5 am.
All these things aside. A life has been lost and others have been traumatizing. Stop blaming and start praying for everyone involved!!!!
prayer goes out to both families
@ Mike…Florida Statues; on a two lane road a driver must only use the left lane to overcome a slower vehicle when it’s lawful to do so. On a divided highway, slower traffic is to keep right. So please explain your reasoning for the deputy to be in the wrong? Florida Statute 877.22 says it is unlawful for minors to be out between 11 pm and 5 am Sunday-Thursday. So please explain your conclusion that the deputy was wrong…….
the officer was in the wrong ,the left lane is for passing is passing only who is he passing at 4 o’clock in the morning everyone uses the left lane like its their private road
Please people , read your drivers manual – what does it say about walking in/on the roadway – what does it say about riding bikes in/on the roadway ! I believe the article said the deputy did Not Notice them in time. Were you there – lets not place blame. ( i have noticed some walking in the hwy , they will not get out of the flow of traffic – daring someone to hit them) . Pray for the young person that was hit & their family . The Deputy did Not go down the hwy looking for someone to hit – what do you think he feels like , ok.
While we are on the subject, check what happens when some on a bicycle , who are legal road users , get hit and killed. Hint…nothing.
Can we say….A-C-C-I-D-E-N-T???? It was an accident! No, the officer shouldn’t be charged, one child is dead the other injured….now can we say P-R-A-Y!!!! That’ll include praying for ALL of the parties involved the officer & the families of the victims.
REGARDING:
“For just one time I would LOVE to just read peoples sympathy comments for all involved!!!! ”
Read more closely. They’re there.
David for consolation
@ livinmolino it is quite appaent many people who are on the outside looking in don’t understand what you’ve stated. Yes it is true some parents allow their children to roam all over the place at anytime of the day or night but there are other very responsible parents who teach their children right from wrong and the consequences of making bad decisions nevertheless the children still make bad choices.If you catch them and pound their butt then guess what??? You get arrested for abuse so now the parent/parents who have to work to put food on the table, the one who have to sleep at night in order to rest for work again the next day is held responsible for a rebellious child they’re not allowed to physically discipline (not abuse) but yet have to clothe and feed! When they enter into a life of crime the same police that arrest the parent will beat there butts when they refuse to obey them. What’s wrong with this picture????????????
Just because these children were out late does not mean they should be killed. There really is no excuse for hitting them. You people are horrible and are making excuses for the officer’s blunder. Don’t worry, this is Pensacola and the officer will not get introuble at all.
Paul Jansen for truth and reason.
Sorrry to hear of this but why were two 16 yr old minors out at 4am? Where were the parents?
For just one time I would LOVE to just read peoples sympathy comments for all involved!!!! Some people have no heart!! I had great parents, but that did not stop me from doing things I shouldn’t have!!! These parents are grieving….give them a beak!
STOP walking in the damn road people!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It’s as simple as that!!!! If you MUST walk, walk in the grass or on a sidewalk OFF THE ROAD.
Unfortunately, Alecia, someone is always at fault. Even an accident. The two young girls were breaking at least 2 laws; the curfew and jaywalking. My heart does go out to the family of the deceased but mostly it goes out to the Deputy! He will have to live with this forever! It is true that as parents we can’t “police” our children 24 hours a day…and even when taught right from wrong, they don’t always do the right thing. But the parents are still responsible. As stated above, if my dog gets out and bites someone I am liable! I hope no attorney takes this case if someone tries to capitalize on this unfortunate incident. When you are killed while breaking a law there should be no payday for anyone! My son is an ECSO and I pray for him everynight! Tonight I will also be praying for this Officer.
My sympathies to the parents of the girl who died. But also, my support and prayers for the deputy who was doing his job at a time of night when most of us would be safe in our own beds, thanks to LEOs like him.
Just because you dont know your kids are sneaking out doesnt mean you are not to blame. What happen to teaching your kids to make wise decisions? to obey rules? to be honest and forthcoming?
If I dont know my dog snuck out of the backyard and he bites someone, I am still liable. I feel the same holds true here.
Mess with the bull;Get the horns.
I am a public safety worker and I have seen MANY people hit by cars that it was the walkers fault but the driver gets charged. I as many others on here are concerned on why these young girls were out at 6a.m. I thought Escambia county has a curfew?
STOP blaming the parents until you know what happened. I have 3 children, now over the age of 25. Now that my son is 30, he tells me that he used to sneak out his bedroom window… and we never missed him. Had I know, I would have pounded his butt. Parents can’t watch their children 24 hours a day. It just isn’t possible. I caught him doing a lot of things, but I just didn’t catch him out at night. I’m just thankful that God was always watching over him, when I couldn’t.
Joe…pedestrians do NOT have the right of way except at an intersection. Its actually a ticketable offense for a pedestrian to obstruct the flow of traffic. These children were apparently in the middle of the roadway. I would like you to cite a case where a citizen was charged for striking a pedestrian under these circumstances. You won’t be able to. Your reaction is highly negative and the question should not be whether the vehicle had the right of way but what were children this age doing out unsupervised at that time of the morning.
Thank you Reaction…thank you…
Joe, What would,since you hate cops,happen if you or one of your love ones had an emergency? You would call 911, right? Who would come to you as fast as they could? These deputies are out there trying to protect us!! Their pay is not enough, but most take there jobs very seriously and help alot of people in there work, especially kids. God bless you Ty and all the families involved. Thanks to all the men and women that protect us all.
No, we can not watch out kids 24/7. What happened to doing bed checks, I did!! Yes, mind slipped out the window but I was waiting for him when he got home. Thank you Lord for not letting me get that dreaded knock on my door in the middle of the night, when my children were suppose to be safely in bed.
Ditto @eeyore
What a shame!
@rodney hester I’ve seen this behavior also – you hit the nail on the head!
My prayers go out for the deputy and his family also for the family of the deceased girl and for the girl that was walking with her.
No charges should be brought against the officer.
I am sad for both the deputy and the parents who lost their little girl. As some have stated, there are ways out of a home without the parent/s knowing, and they may be just as shocked to learn their daughter was out in the roadway at 4am. Very sad story, and my heart goes out to all involved.
…i’m really surprised this doesnt happen more often…those kids walking in the middle of the street like “i dare you to run me over” attitude…i sure hope some people will learn a lesson here…i feel for the officer and his family hope they make it through alright…im just wondering, what were those kids doing on the streets at 4am…not to say anything bad but i think karma may have caught up with them…
@joe: Actually, looking at the 6 most recent stories not involving DUI or hit and run (all from this year), one says charges pending, one says no word on charges, and the rest say no charges filed. So don’t think he’s getting a free ride just ’cause he’s a deputy. Believe me when I tell you troopers don’t care who you are, they will ticket their own mothers.
IF BOTH WERE 16 what were they doing out of the house at 4:30am. I think both their parents should be charged with neglect for letting their kids ROAM the roads at that hour.
This young lady that is now dead at some time was some Mama and Daddys little girl. Nothing we can say will bring her back—another young life wasted. I pray for the family as well as the officer as it has already been said that he will have to live with this for the rest of his life — the images will return again and again for a long time. Why was the girls on the steets so early? And A lot of whys’ that need to be answered. No matter, some poor judgements have been made by these young girls and or their parents. We need to learn from this as well as encourage all involved.
Heart goes out to all involved.
Friend of mine hit and killed a man on Barrancas Ave about a year ago.
Was after 8 PM and guy was wearing all dark clothes and walking in right hand lane of traffic pushing a shopping cart.
My friend was sober, doesn’t drink at all, a very responsible and mature person and did not see this guy until he was right in front of him and even with full brakes at 40 mph was unable to avoid him.
Before that incident, and afterward, I see people when it is dark just easing along walking or riding bikes on the roadway and they wear dark clothes, not any thing to reflect car lights, and until the last moment it is impossible to see them.
Not sure what these two people today were doing “walking to school” at what I heard was near 4:00 AM in the complete darkness and walking in a roadway instead of the sidewalk which was just a few yards to their right and where they would be safe and have had a good day at school.
The police should be able to stop and require people who are in non-reflective clothing to at least carry a white rag and get on the shoulder area of the roadway.
I am sure that I am not the only one who has made this observation.
Peace and Blessings to all who suffer as a result of this accident….
Cop or not, be seen at night and live…..
I’m w/all that want to know why these young girls were out @ 4am!! Thats what time I get up in the morning!
Joe,
That isn’t at all what the law says and no one has been cited/prosecuted for the same circumstances. Keep hating the cops though.
Joe, pedestrians only have the right-of-way when in the crosswalk! The roadway is designed for vehicle traffic, not pedestrians. Pedestrians are not to just walk out into the street and to assume a vehicle will stop! The pedestrian only has the right-of-way only after they enter a crosswalk and only after looking both ways and when safe. Why were they there when there are sidewalks on both sides of the road in that location? If you are refering to the story of the 16 year old who left the scene, he is being cited for leaving the scene. No one should be walking down the center of any roadway whether 25mph or 70mph, whether a cozy subdivision or Mobile Hwy. The concept that people have about pedestrians having the right-of-way will probably get ya killed.
Pedestrians do not have right of way in a roadway. Of course, you are not allowed to run them over on purpose and you are supposed to make every attempt not to hit them, but they dont have right of way unless they are in a cross walk or a parking lot.
If they are out walking, pedestrians should always have light colored clothing on, in this case it doesnt sound like that was the case. Also, why would they be walking in the roadway with their back to traffic?
Joe…pedestrians do NOT have the right of way except at an intersection. Its actually a ticketable offense for a pedestrian to obstruct the flow of traffic. These children were apparently in the middle of the roadway. I would like you to cite a case where a citizen was charged for striking a pedestrian under these circumstances. You won’t be able to. Your reaction is highly negative and the question should not be whether the vehicle had the right of way but what were children this age doing out unsupervised at that time of the morning.
Why does anyone have to be at fault? This was an accident! The 16 yr olds were not commiting any crime by walking down the street no matter what time it was. And the officer did not see them in time. Why are parents to blame for everything? No one can watch their kids 24/7!!!
@ Joe– I seem to recall that is about being in a cross walk. Walking in the roadway next to one another at 4:10 a/m on a four lane road and using the inside lane is just not thinking very well. I’m sorry for the parents– but more so for the officer. He had to get out and try to render help to them and see the damage to both girls. It is not something most people would want to see. Ref. the girls being out at that time of day, parents can try to have some controls on kids but they can still leave the home by way of a window.
What in the world…them teens should not have been walking at that time of the night anyways the parents should made them stay home instead of walking the roads… the were probably at some boys house or some where doing something that they shouldn’t be doing… bet they wish they would of been home with their parents
If you don’t have a license plate, you don’t belong in the road.
I feel bad for the officer because he will have to deal with this for the rest of his life.
will be worth watching to see what happens to the deputy because similar situations with civilians driving ended with charges against the driver. do a search on north escambia and see some of the stories.
what happened to Pedestrains always have the right of way?
I am sad that this young girl died.
I agree with you all. I have the same problem, kids in the roadway, also, where are their parents? This deputy will have to live with this for the rest of his life. The teenagers were JAYWALKING… I hate that a child lost her life because her parents are obviously too lazy to make sure she was where she was supposed to be.
I was driving down Detroit Blvd just yesterday around 6 pm. A guy was walking down the side of the road about 2 feet from the side line into the trafic lane. He acted like he was in the right as i had to stop, (one car just passed him in front of me and one was comming from the other way). He looked at me as i was the problem as i finally got over to pass him. He could have atleast been walking the side line or even the grass on the side of the road, he had plenty of room. Some people are so stupid.
I feel for these families involved , including the officer. The teens in my opinion were to blame for this however, the officer will have to live with this the rest of his life. I could not imagine how I would deal with it if I were to hit and kill someone.
You don’t have to be at fault to feel the pain of the situation. God bless all involved.
Rodney
I couldnt say it better! Good job and i agree!
Now the cops are bad.( sarcasm)
4am is way too early for school or work for this young of people. I see it all the time driving my taxi. Young people think they can walk anywhere and we the drivers are suppose to stop, move, or take swift action to avoid hitting them .It is disgusting the way they stare at drivers while they walk in the roads. It is young people thinking they own the road. It is even worse that a police officer hit these people. Now the cops are bad, and the parents who allowed them to walk the streets at this time will now be hiring attorneys and preparing for a payoff .. The law should change. If you are in the roadway, you should have to follow road laws so where is the tail lights on these people. I am sorry for all involved but this like many others could have been avoided with stricter parents and people who obey the law instead of thinking they are above it.
Why were two 16 yr.olds walikng the streets at 4am?
Where was the parents or gaurdians of these two girls? And why was they out at 4:10 in the morning? Looks like the parents should be held responible for this accident!!!!