Drunk Driver Hits Deputy Vehicle, Two Troopers And Pedestrian

May 27, 2017

A Pompano Beach man is facing multiple charges after slamming into a deputy’s vehicle and two troopers and another pedestrian early Saturday morning on Highway 29 in Escambia County,

About 3 a.m., Florida Highway Patrol trooper Sebastian Vo observed a vehicle traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of Highway 29 just south of Brent Lane. Trooper Vo initiated a traffic stop and pulled the suspect vehicle over. Trooper Chad Lynch and an Escambia County deputy arrive on scene to assist.

Trooper Vo and Trooper Lynch initiated a DUI investigation on the wrong way driver, later identified as 29-year old Osman Fuentez Hernandez of Pensacola.

The unoccupied marked ECSO patrol car with emergency lights activated was occupying the center lane of Highway 29 when it was struck by a 2013 Chrysler 300 driven by John Vincent Pluas of Pompano Beach. The ESCO vehicle was pushed into an FHP vehicle where Trooper Vo was working in the front seat. Trooper Lynch had just removed Hernandez from his vehicle when both were hit the ECSO vehicle.

Trooper Lynch and Trooper Vo were transported by EMS to Sacred Heart Hospital, where both troopers were treated and later released.

Pluas was treated and released from Sacred Heart Hospital. He was arrested and booked into the Escambia County Jail on charges of felony DUI with serious bodily injuries, felony driving while license suspended, reckless driving, no proof of insurance, failure to register vehicle and DUI property damage.

Hernandez, the wrong way driver, was hospitalized and is currently under investigation for DUI.

Pictured: John Vincent Pluas.


Comments

10 Responses to “Drunk Driver Hits Deputy Vehicle, Two Troopers And Pedestrian”

  1. Theresa Miller on May 28th, 2017 7:55 am

    Thank God their injuries weren’t life threatening. It could have been much worse. Thank you to all LEO’S who put their life on the line every time they report to duty. I pray God’s hand of protection for them daily!

  2. Well on May 28th, 2017 7:11 am

    He’ll enjoy prison…

    No consiquences for hitting officers.

  3. Anne on May 28th, 2017 6:43 am

    LEO should set up a rotating “Check Point” at bars and juke joints known for letting customers become over served.

    Two ‘alleged’ impaired drivers. No need for either.

    Wondering what Mr. Pluas’ driving record is?
    He looks barely conscious in this booking photo, hope his stay in jail is long and very uncomfortable.
    What does the rest of the tattoo on chest say, gang banger?

    Hope the officers are able to mend up well.

  4. Gary on May 28th, 2017 6:37 am

    I agree with Nod.

  5. A.W Thompson on May 27th, 2017 6:08 pm

    That was a heck of a mess glad the officers are going to be alright.

  6. Gary on May 27th, 2017 4:48 pm

    Hope the Troopers and Deputy will be A OK!
    This is another example of alcohol ruining people’s lives, causing serious injuries and property damage. I have yet to see anything positive about alcohol! The leniency of judges in re drunk drivers is pathetic.

  7. mick on May 27th, 2017 4:31 pm

    Put the drunk in prison not jail PRISON – where he belongs

  8. anne 1of2 on May 27th, 2017 2:35 pm

    This story falls under the heading of “you can’t make this stuff up”. The law officers have to be out there when the rest of know better because the bars just closed. God bless them for saving lives all day and all night. Glad they are all OK.

  9. area resident on May 27th, 2017 2:00 pm

    Yay! 3-day weekend! Let’s all go drinking! NOT. Go back to Pompano Beach.; we have enough problems.

    Thank you officers. Glad you have both been released.

  10. Nod on May 27th, 2017 11:22 am

    1st DUI offense should be2 years in jail $10,000 fine, suspended license for 2 years after getting out of jail and car impounded and kept by the state. Then a six month course on driving safety. This may be a good start to keep drunks like this off the road.