PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. – A devastating multi-vehicle crash on Tuesday evening claimed the life of 53-year-old Rosario Malicon and left two others seriously injured. The incident occurred around 9:21 p.m. at the intersection of Bay Pines Boulevard and 100th Way North.
According to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, a Ford F150, driven by 43-year-old Joshua Kohlbecker, was speeding eastbound on Bay Pines Boulevard when it failed to stop for a red light.
The truck slammed into a Ford Mustang that stopped at the intersection, triggering a chain reaction involving nine vehicles.
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The Mustang, occupied by 26-year-old Ernie Agbanlog and Malicon, was engulfed in flames upon impact. An off-duty Polk County Sheriff’s Sergeant and bystanders managed to pull Kohlbecker and Agbanlog from their vehicles, but Malicon could not be rescued and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Both Kohlbecker and Agbanlog were hospitalized with serious injuries. Fortunately, the occupants of the other seven vehicles involved suffered only minor injuries.
Investigators determined that speed and impairment were contributing factors to the crash. Upon his release from the hospital, Kohlbecker was arrested and charged with DUI Manslaughter, Vehicular Homicide, and Felony DWLSR (Driving While License Suspended or Revoked) causing Death. He is currently being held in the Pinellas County Jail.
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