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Drunk Driver That Slammed Into Deputy, Two State Troopers On Highway 29 Sentenced
January 5, 2019
A drunk driver has been sentenced to state prison after slamming into a deputy’s vehicle, two state troopers and another pedestrian on Highway 29 in Escambia County,
John Vincent Pluas of Pompano Beach was sentenced to five years in state prison, with credit for 574 days served while awaiting trial. He was ordered to pay $4,614.65 in restitution to the Florida Highway Patrol, plus fines and court costs. He was convicted of DUI with serious bodily injury, three counts of DUI damage to property or person, driving with a suspended license and no vehicle registration.
About 3 a.m. on May 27, 2017, 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 arrived on scene to assist.
Trooper Vo and Trooper Lynch initiated a DUI investigation on the wrong way driver.
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 Pluas. The ESCO vehicle was pushed into an FHP vehicle where Trooper Vo was working in the front seat. Trooper Lynch had just removed the wrong-way diver from his vehicle when both were hit by the ECSO vehicle.
Trooper Lynch and Trooper Vo were transported by EMS to Sacred Heart Hospital, where both troopers were treated and later released.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Comments
7 Responses to “Drunk Driver That Slammed Into Deputy, Two State Troopers On Highway 29 Sentenced”
Hey accidents happened at least he didn’t flee the scene
Who is the judge and came down with this draconian in sentence
@Stumpknocker ~ Plus fines and four costs, attorneys fees, etc.
I agree, though – too light for this scoflaw.
Drunks a scourge to society, and the judge missed the mark on this one. He shouldn’t be given credit for anything. No respect for the law booze swizzlin scourge. He almost kills LEO’s and gets 5 years…damn!
hmm. puzzling, no charge for not having vehicle insurance. he couldn’t have had insurance since he had no valid license and no vehicle registration. officers stopped one dui driver only to get hit by another. bartenders can’t be held accountable for every fool who gets behind the wheel while impaired. a few bucks for a cab or rideshare would’ve prevented all this.
That’s it? $4600.00 to pay for all that damage and hospital bills, great attorney or poor prosecutor.
Wow. Pluas got off very lighly.