The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has arrested the driver responsible for a fatal crash on New Year’s Day that killed a Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Road Ranger and injured two FHP troopers.
The incident occurred around 3:00 AM on southbound I-95 in Broward County. FHP troopers and FDOT Road Ranger Jose Parra Guadama were responding to an initial crash, their vehicles parked with emergency lights activated, when two other vehicles collided.
One of the vehicles veered into the area where the troopers and Road Ranger were working, fatally striking Guadama.
READ: Illegal Immigrant Sentenced In Alabama To 5 Years For Voter And Passport Fraud
The driver responsible for the crash, 44-year-old Latoya Hayes of Fort Lauderdale, was arrested and is facing multiple charges, including:
- DUI manslaughter (UBAL)
- DUI manslaughter (impairment)
- Vehicular homicide
- DUI causing injury (3 counts)
- DUI causing property damage (5 counts)
- Reckless driving causing injury (3 counts)
- Reckless driving causing property damage (5 counts)
- Expired driver’s license over 6 months
Hayes had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .168 at the time of the crash, more than twice the legal limit. She was booked into the Broward County Jail without bond.
“With the arrest of the suspect, we begin the process of accountability for the horrific loss of life the suspect has caused,” said FDOT Executive Director Dave Kerner. “While this will not bring back the life of FDOT Road Ranger Jose Parra Guadama, we hope his family, friends, and the community find comfort in knowing State Troopers have done, and will continue to do, everything possible in our power and authority to ensure the suspect is held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
READ: Siberian Air To Plunge Eastern US Into Deep Freeze Next Week, Parts Of Florida Included
FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue expressed gratitude to the FHP and law enforcement partners for their commitment to securing justice for Guadama’s family. “His loss is a profound reminder of the critical importance for drivers to make safe decisions while driving to protect those who risk their lives to keep us and our roads safe,” Perdue said.
This tragic incident underscores the importance of Florida’s “Move Over” law, which requires drivers to move over or slow down for stopped emergency vehicles, law enforcement vehicles, tow trucks, and sanitation vehicles.
In 2024, the law was expanded to include all disabled vehicles displaying warning lights. Failure to comply with the Move Over law can result in fines and penalties.
“This incident and the resulting loss of a dedicated Road Ranger underscores the universal and critical importance of moving over for ANY vehicle on the side of the road,” the FHP stated.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.