The Florida Highway Patrol’s Traffic Homicide Investigations Unit arrested the driver of the white Ford F150 pick truck which was involved in a fatal crash, killing an 81-year-old driver of a golf cart.
James Ward Jr, 75, from Pensacola was booked into the Escambia County Jail and faces one count of DUI manslaughter, one count vehicular homicide and marijuana possession.
FHP determined Ward was driving the truck at a high rate of speed west on Barrancas Avenue and that prior to the fatal crash, he ran off the roadway multiple times, colliding with the concrete barriers on Bayou Chico Bridge.
Per FHP, Ward displayed obvious signs of impairment during the investigation at the scene, due to struggling to stand and maintain his balance. For his safety, Field Sobriety Exercises were stopped because he appeared to be at risk of falling and injuring himself.
The fatal golf cart crash is still an ongoing case as far as investigation and more charges may be pending.
