Incidents

Man charged with DUI after crashing into trooper on SR-528 in Orange County

Kenneth Fernandez was taken to the Orange County Jail after being medically cleared, FHP said.  

A driver crashed into a trooper's unmarked cruiser on the Beachline (State Road 528) early Friday, the Florida Highway Patrol said. 

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — FHP said the driver was in a construction zone near the John Young Parkway exit when he crashed into the Lt. Lenita King's cruiser and a Hubbard Construction vehicle.  King had the lights activated on the cruiser, FHP said.

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The trooper was trapped for about 30 minutes. She remains hospitalized in stable condition.
The driver, Kenneth Fernandez, 24, of Orlando, was arrested on DUI charges, FHP said.   
“While talking with Mr. Fernandez, I could smell a pungent odor of alcoholic beverage coming from his body. Mr. Fernandez eyes were bloodshot and glossy, he was unsteady on his feet and had slurred speech. Mr. Fernandez began asking if his friends could come pick him up as he wanted to leave,” the arrested trooper said in an incident report. 
No one else was injured.
Fernandez was taken to the Orange County Jail after being medically cleared, FHP said.