CLEARWATER, Fla. – Clearwater Police traffic homicide investigators have arrested a Dunedin man after a fatal crash late Thursday on U.S. 19.
Bryant Mendoza, 46, was charged with DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide. He was booked into the Pinellas County Jail early Friday morning after being treated for minor injuries at Bayfront Health St. Petersburg.
The crash occurred at 11:22 p.m. in the northbound lanes of U.S. 19 at Harn Boulevard. A 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee, driven by Mendoza, crashed into a parked crane in a construction zone.
In the news: Tampa Pride Event Canceled After DeSantis Signs ‘Let Kids Be Kids’ Bill
The right and middle lanes had been closed off, but Mendoza drove in them nonetheless. A witness to the crash also said he was speeding.
A 37-year-old female passenger in the Jeep was taken to Bayfront, where she died. Her next of kin has not been notified.
Northbound lanes of the highway were closed for several hours as the investigation was conducted.
Android Users, Click To Download The Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Signup for our free newsletter.
We can’t do this without your help; visit our GiveSendGo page and donate any dollar amount; every penny helps.