ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — 9 Investigates uncovered an argument between law enforcement officers at a crime scene over who would investigate two hit-and-run crashes.
A Florida Highway Patrol trooper threatened to arrest Altamonte Springs police officers during the fight.
Audio: Fight between FHP, Altamonte Springs officers gets heated
The initial crash happened in the Altamonte Springs police jurisdiction, but the driver allegedly took off down the street and ended up in FHP’s jurisdiction.
Witnesses said it sparked a turf war and more than a month later, the suspect has not been caught.
The second crash happened March 13 on a residential street.
“All of a sudden, I heard a screech. I looked to my left and here’s this car coming down, brakes slamming,” said witness Greg Wilson.
Wilson said the car struck a van before the driver and passenger bailed on foot.
When trooper Toney Payne learned the van wasn’t the first vehicle the suspects hit, witnesses said it started a turf war.
Altamonte police officers said in a statement that Payne insisted the officers work the second crash even though it wasn’t in their jurisdiction.
Payne’s radio transmissions gave a glimpse of the heated argument.
“Be advised I’m having problems with two Altamonte police officers here at the scene. They’re failing to leave the scene. I’m going to end up arresting one or both of them,” Payne said.
No arrests were made, including in the hit-and-run, leaving the victims without justice.
“As long as somebody comes here and gets everything solved, I’m happy,” Wilson said.
FHP said the incident was resolved by both agencies and is considered to be a non-issue.
Police said they believe it was a brief oversight by the trooper. He was not disciplined.