INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — K9 Doc is taking the next few days off from work after the K9 Sheriff’s vehicle he was riding in was struck by a suspected drunk driver.
That driver, and two others, were arrested Friday night during traffic enforcement in the 7400 block of 26th Street.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Levenar called for K9 assistance during a traffic stop that resulted in a driver’s arrested for DUI. That driver was identified as Mark Obrien.
K9 Deputy Joerger arrived on scene to assist with the towing of Obrien’s vehicle while K9 Doc remained in the Sheriff’s vehicle.
Another driver, identified as Timothy Staples, drove directly into the back of the K9 patrol vehicle before coming to a stop due to the collision. According to the Sheriff’s Office, Staples is believed to be driving more than 40 mph when he struck the patrol vehicle, pushing the parked SUV more than 100 feet.
K9 Doc was not seriously injured despite the force of the crash into his parked vehicle, the Sheriff’s Office said.
A second deputy, Deputy Eggers, was called to the scene to investigate the Staples crash and ultimately arrested Staples on suspicion of DUI with property damage. Staples also faces charges that include possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana and possession of marijuana.
While Deputy Eggers was investigating, a third driver happened on the scene.
That driver, identified as Christopher Carrick, drove around the two marked patrol vehicles, both of which had their emergency lights activated, going through the crash scene.
Carrick, too, was arrested for DUI, as well as for possession of a controlled substance and felony violation of probation, the Sheriff’s said.
The impact pushed the patrol vehicle over 100 feet from where it was orginally parked. The patrol vehicle had all emergency lights activated at the time it was struck.
Deputy Eggers arrived on scene and investigated the crash. Deputy Eggers determined that Mr. Staples was also under the influence and he was arrested for DUI.
If you think that was pretty interesting and the end of the story, unfortunately you are mistaken.
While the crash scene was still active another vehicle driven by Christopher Carrick drove around two marked patrol vehicles with all emergency lights activated.