PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — A Broward County man accused of causing a crash in St. Lucie County that killed two people Friday morning, including a Florida Highway Patrol trooper, is facing multiple charges, FHP announced Saturday.
Michael Anthony Addison, 30, was arrested in connection to the deaths of FHP Trooper Zachary Fink, 26, and a semitruck driver, who crashed when Fink attempted to chase Addison’s fleeing vehicle.
FHP said St. Lucie County deputies saw Addison’s vehicle, a white Kia, driving at high speed, and when deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop, Addison fled the scene.
Fink was in the area and saw Addison traveling at high speed before making a U-turn on I-95 Into the wrong direction of traffic. Troopers said when Fink went to follow Addison’s vehicle, he was struck by an oncoming semitruck near mile marker 120. Fink was airlifted to the hospital where he died, FHP said, and the truck driver died at the scene.
Addison continued to flee, according to troopers, and ultimately fled off the interstate before crashing and abandoning his vehicle near Brandywine Lane on Commerce Center Drive.
Around 8:06 a.m. Friday, Addison was apprehended by law enforcement as a person of interest in the case.
READ MORE: Florida Highway Patrol Trooper dies in line of duty crash Friday morning
“We intend to hold the defendant fully accountable for the lives he’s taken and the immeasurable pain he has caused,” said Dave Kerner, the executive director of Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. “Trooper Fink gave his life to hold the Defendant accountable and keeping our community safe from harm, and we will work to ensure Trooper Fink’s intent is accomplished.”
He faces multiple charges from FHP, including two counts of vehicular homicide, two counts of felony homicide, driving without a license causing death or serious injury and aggravated fleeing to elude with serious injury or death.
Addison also faces two charges from the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, including an out-of-county warrant from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office for aggravated battery and fleeing to elude police with lights/sirens activated.
“Yesterday was a day of tragedy. It is impossible to summarize the feeling of loss felt due to the reckless decisions of one individual with a complete disregard for the safety of others,” said FHP Colonel Gary Howze II. “This criminal chose his actions that took two people from their families and loved ones. He cost Florida one of its finest selfless heroes in Trooper Fink. With his arrest, this repeat criminal will not escape the consequences of his actions and will be held accountable.”
Addison was booked into St. Lucie County Jail on Friday night and is being held without bond.
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