US 17-92 crash: 2 people killed after wanted suspect slammed into them, police say
Suspected drug trafficker kills 2 in multi-car crash, deputies say
A suspected drug trafficker was speeding in Sanford, July 7, before hitting another vehicle and killing two people. A third person was rushed to the hospital and the suspect has been taken into custody.
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. - Update (July 8): Casselberry Police identified the two men killed in the crash as Christopher J. Marier, 42, and 40-year-old Tyler M. Marier. The alleged suspect was identified as 26-year-old Marquavious Tayvon Wheaton.
Original story
A person wanted for suspected drug dealing sped away from Seminole County deputies in Sanford, reaching speeds faster than 100 mph, before slamming into the side of another vehicle in Casselberry, killing the two people who were inside, the Seminole County Sheriff's Office said.
The alleged suspect was detained at the crash site and transported to the hospital, officials said.
What we know:
The Seminole County Sheriff's Office said deputies attempted to stop a vehicle shortly before 12 p.m. on Tuesday in Sanford related to a drug trafficking investigation. The driver of that vehicle did not stop and instead drove off.
Deputies did not pursue the vehicle due to public safety concerns. Instead, the sheriff's office's aviation unit followed the vehicle from the air, reporting that the driver was traveling at speeds higher than 100 mph at times.
Minutes later, the sheriff's office said the suspect's vehicle crashed into the side of another vehicle on US 17-92 in Casselberry, killing the two people inside.
The suspect was detained at the scene and transported to the hospital.
Witnesses describe high-speed Seminole County crash killing 2
A deadly multi-vehicle crash came after an unsuccessful traffic stop by the Seminole County deputies. The sheriff's office reported that deputies attempted to stop a suspected drug trafficker, when the driver sped off and later hit another car while traveling over 100 mph.
What we don't know:
Officials have not identified the suspect nor shared an update on his or her condition. Officials have not identified the two people who were killed, pending family notification on their deaths.
What's next:
The Seminole County Sheriff's Office said criminal charges are being recommended against the suspect, though specifics were not released. Casselberry Police is investigating the crash as a traffic homicide.
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The Source: The information is from the Florida Department of Transportation website, Seminole County Fire Department, Florida Highway Patrol, and Casselberry Police.