Florida deputy caused $73K in damages after speeding, crashing into pond: Sheriff
Sheriff responds to speeding Florida deputy crash into pond | FULL
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood spoke with FOX 35 about recent events including the office's deputies in the span of a week. An intoxicated sergeant was arrested after he allegedly tried to kiss a woman and punch her husband in a bar. A deputy caused over $70,000 in damage after crashing his vehicle into a pond while speeding. On a positive note, several sheriff's deputies conducted a save on the beach.
VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. - A Volusia County deputy is under investigation after reportedly causing over $70,000 in damages after crashing his cruiser into a retention pond while speeding, officials said.
Sheriff Mike Chitwood spoke with FOX 35 Thursday, explaining that the deputy's actions could have killed someone.
"You caused $73,000 worth of damage," Chitwood said of the deputy. "You could have killed yourself. You could have killed your partner. You could have killed anybody that was out there on the roadway."
Sheriff: $73,000 in damages
What we know:
A speeding deputy involved in a crash near I-95 – resulting in $73,000 in damages – is now under investigation.
During an interview with FOX 35’s Amy Kaufeldt, Chitwood explained that the deputy has been completely removed from his special duties – including on SWAT and K-9 teams – and could face additional penalties.
Caught on camera: Speeding Florida deputy loses control, crashes into pond
Dash camera footage captured the moment a Volusia County deputy sped through an off-ramp on I-95, speeding at 95 mph, before crashing into a pond. Florida Highway Patrol reported the deputy lost control on the road.
The backstory:
The crash was caught on camera by a passing driver's dashcam showing the deputy speeding down a highway ramp before losing control and crashing into a retention pond.
When asked what the deputy was responding to, Chitwood replied, "Nothing."
The sheriff's office later confirmed that the deputy was speeding 92 mph when his vehicle – along with his K-9 inside – crashed into the water.
While no serious injuries were reported and the K-9 is safe, the cruiser was declared a total loss.
Photo Credits: Volusia County Sheriff's Office
New system changes
What's next:
To prevent future incidents, Sheriff Mike Chitwood announced during his interview on Good Day Orlando that the agency is planning a crack-down on speeding.
The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office is working on a new system where captains will get regular reports tracking their deputies’ driving speeds.
If a deputy is caught speeding without a valid emergency, they will have to explain why. If they cannot justify it, they will face disciplinary action.
"It’s unfortunate that we have to do this with professionals," Chitwood said. "But, if you don’t act professional, then I’m going to have to make you act professional."
The Source: This story was written based on information from a Volusia County Sheriff’s Office press conference, and a FOX 35’s Good Day Orlando interview with Sheriff Mike Chitwood.