Report Details Allegations Against Suspected Drunk Driver That Killed Escambia Deputy

October 18, 2022

A Florida Highway Patrol report obtained by NorthEscambia.com details the allegations against a suspected drunk driver that struck and killed an Escambia County Sheriff’s deputy Saturday night while critically injuring his teenage daughter.

Master Deputy Kevin Ray of Cantonment and his 15-year old daughter were traveling from Troy, Alabama, when the crash occurred on Highway 85 just east of Laurel Hill, Florida, at 8:40 p.m.

Tristen Cole Parker, 26, failed to stop at a stop sign, and his bucket truck struck an oncoming silver Jeep driven by Ray.

Parker was charged with negligent DUI vehicular manslaughter, DUI with serious bodily injury and driving with a suspended license habitual offender.

Ray was pronounced deceased at the scene and his daughter was airlifted to an area hospital. The 2012 white Dodge bucket truck driven by Parker overturned multiple times, destroying utility poles before coming to rest in a field in the southwest corner of the intersection.

“There were beer cans near the passenger door of the Dodge truck that were in the pickup and thrown while overturning,” the investigating trooper wrote in the report.

“When the witness rolled up on the crash, Tristen Cole Parker had self-extricated from his vehicle but identified himself as the sole occupant and operator of the suspect vehicle,” the report states. “While being treated on scene by Okaloosa County Fireman Paramedic (redacted), Tristen Cole Parker admitted to consuming 3 to 4 alcohol beverages prior to the collision. (The paramedic) also smelled an odor of alcohol coming from Tristan Cole Parker while he was speaking.”

Parker was transported to an area hospital for treatment.

“During conversation with Tristen Cole Parker, Mr. Parker spontaneously uttered to (the trooper) that he had 2 or 3 ‘beers’ prior to the collision’,” the report continues. Despite initial consent for a voluntary blood draw, Parker refused to provide the blood sample when hospital staff arrived in his room.

A FHP traffic homicide investigator also noted that Parker had bulged eyes, slurred speech, a dry mouth, thick tongue, flushed face and smelled of alcohol in the emergency room. The investigator said Parker had labored breathing, slow deliberate movements and repeated himself.

FHP said Parker’s certified driving record from Texas showed multiple convictions for driving with suspended license in that state.

Ray had been a member of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office family for over 20 years. He had been assigned to courthouse security for over a decade.

Comments

11 Responses to “Report Details Allegations Against Suspected Drunk Driver That Killed Escambia Deputy”

  1. An Angry Mother on October 29th, 2022 8:17 pm

    Makayla Gaylord,

    Let me tell you about my daughter. She was a straight A student. She had hopes of one day becoming a veterinarian or a surgeon. She played the harp beautifully and also played piano. She was an accomplished equestrian and was working to earn a scholarship and ride on a collegiate team. In the summer she enjoyed surfing. Now as I sit at her PICU bedside I can only hope and pray that she will one day be able to do those things again. Thanks to the young man you speak so highly of, she now has two broken femurs, two broken bones in her left arm, broken ribs, a punctured lung, fractured bones in her face, a lacerated liver, and is missing the left half of her skull as a result of the pressure in her brain from the traumatic brain injury she received on October 15, 2022. So please spare me the details about what a “good boy” you think Tristan Cole Parker was. Signed, An Angry Mother.

  2. Makayla Gaylord on October 25th, 2022 7:48 pm

    This is so horrible to hear:/ I feel for the victims… but I also feel for Tristan (triscuit) and his family:(( he’s a childhood friend of the family and now all I can do is pray that his whole life won’t be completely ruined… he is such a sweet soul; I never imagined something like this would occur in his life… it continues to amaze me how one decision can change everything in your life in seconds. I just hope that god stays by his side through it all… as for the daughter of Ray.

    I’m so sorry for all who are grieving. May god be there for you all as well

  3. Brandy on October 25th, 2022 12:52 am

    I live right down the road from where the accident took place in Laurel Hill. There are almost never sirens the way we heard them that night. I heard 2 helicopters too. They were very quick. The girl may make it through, she is very strong. I can’t believe this person did this. The intersection where it happened is 393 and 85. He didn’t stop at the stop sign. The sign isn’t invisible at all. He seems to show signs of head trauma, i recognize repeating words as a brain injury. I am rooting for the girl, and sending hopeful vibes to her and her family. ❤️

  4. Mack A. Jackson on October 24th, 2022 1:53 pm

    I just saw this , this was a wonderful person and to have him stolen away like this is such a tragedy. Kevin and the whole Ray family are great examples of how we all should be. Rest in peace my friend.

  5. Confused on October 19th, 2022 3:51 pm

    Bucket truck? Was he driving an employer’s vehicle with a suspended license?

    Assuming the truck had a valid dispatch to the driver, the company could be held liable for allowing him to drive in such a state.

  6. K-K on October 19th, 2022 1:19 pm

    There is no exemption for refusing a DUI blood test. You must comply or face the consequences of non-compliance. With this guy, it seemed to be a moot point. At the hospital it should be mandatory even if they have to hold the guy down, it would seem to me. What a shame. A girl has to grow up without her dad. My Dad was 97 and just passed 2 months ago. He was such a big part of my life and I will cherish the memories I had of both my parents. Think before you drink. If you may have to drive, then just don’t drink. Period. Buy your beer but stay off the road.

  7. Paul on October 18th, 2022 12:42 pm

    A blood draw should be mandatory every time one causes an injury to another.
    I didn’t know there was an option not to have one when you cause a death.

  8. Rebecca Butler on October 18th, 2022 11:37 am

    My condolences to the family. Thoughts and prayers going out to them. Prayers for the child that has to ensure this pain.

  9. Wayne on October 18th, 2022 10:38 am

    So sorry for the family.
    Prayers to all.

  10. John Bone Jones on October 18th, 2022 8:33 am

    thinking of his daughter

  11. Danno on October 18th, 2022 8:08 am

    I hope the owner of the bucket truck is ready for a flurry of civil actions….

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News