Cruiser involved in deadly crash had brake issues, records show

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - Just released records from the Osceola County Sheriff's Office show that a deputy's patrol car, involved in a deadly wreck on Friday, had only been back in use for 11 days after being in the shop.  

A deputy wrote up a work request for the cruiser, saying it had brake problems, according to records.  

"We are going to have an independent mechanic look at this because of the allegations and the service records that have been provided. We want to have a mechanic look at that vehicle specifically for that problem that's potentially a reason," said Florida Highway Patrol spokesperson Lt. Kim Montes.  

The Osceola County Sheriff's Office Fleet Maintenance records for the 2018 Dodge Charge is known as "Unit 451."  The Sheriff's Office said that's the same one Deputy Gloria Boccio was driving Friday when FHP troopers said she failed to stop at a red light on U.S. Highway 192, causing a chain reaction crash.

Robert Johnston, 34, of Clermont, died from injuries sustained in that crash a short time after impact.

"We'll also be going to the dealership to get a full copy of everything that they've done," said Lt. Montes.

Fleet maintenance records show that on September 24, a deputy filled out a work request noting "break failure, warranty repair required."  That same afternoon, an invoice from a local car dealer stated that the vehicle was brought in at 2:36 p.m., reporting "customer states brakes fail to be applied, pedal goes to the floor sometimes."

According to that same dealer invoice, after driving the car eight miles, "road tested vehicle unable to duplicate owner concern at this time."  The vehicle was marked as ready at 11:44 on September 25.  That same day, another work request was filled out for OCSO's Fleet Maintenance, again noting "brakes failed, take to dealer for warranty repair."  However, there is no record of the car being taken back to the dealer. 

FHP traffic homicide investigators are looking at the black box from Deputy Boccio's Dodge Charger.  Lt. Montes said that should show how fast the Deputy Boccio was going at the time of impact and if she hit the brakes.

Troopers are also getting subpoena for the deputy's electronics (cellphone and computer) to see if she could have been distracted at the time of impact.  FHP said Deputy Boccio received minor injuries in this crash.  

FHP records show that, prior to Friday's wreck, this deputy had been involved in three other crashes.  According to Boccio's personnel file, she was only found to be at fault in one of those crashes. Her supervisor wrote during her annual review, "Deputy Boccio has had no complaints from the public, nor have I observed any unsafe driving habits."  

Boccio has been placed on paid administrative leave, pending the outcome of FHP's investigation into Friday's crash.