The Florida Highway Patrol around 5:20 p.m., Sunday, May 19 responded to the intersection of Edgewood Dr and Bellingham St, in reference to a multi-vehicle collision. Prior to arriving on scene, we were informed a Hispanic male driver had fled the scene on foot. The Trooper was able to locate the male driver who fled approximately one mile from the collision scene.
It was determined that a pickup truck was traveling northbound on Edgewood Dr at an excessive rate of speed, ran the stop sign on Edgewood Dr and Bellingham St, and collided with the rear end of a van.
The pickup truck then recoiled off of the van, and the driver side fender area of the pickup truck collided with the front end of a SUV.
The pickup truck then entered the yard area of 6594 Bellingham St, and collided with two parked vehicles in the driveway of the residence.
A passenger of the van was seriously injured on scene, causing his leg to nearly be amputated. Another occupant of a vehicle involved in the collision was flown by helicopter from the scene, and is listed in critical condition due to glass being lodged in his neck.
The at-fault driver of the collision was examined by a Drug Recognition Expert, where he was determined to be impaired. The suspect, identified later as Walter Hernandez Gomez, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence.
Gomez was arrested and charged with the following offenses:
- Driving Under the Influence Causing Serious Bodily Injury (Felony);
- Driving With No Driver License Causing Serious Bodily Injury (Felony);
- Leaving the Scene of a Collision Causing Serious Bodily Injury (Felony).
Gomez is also being issued traffic citations for:
- Careless Driving
- Failing to Obey a Stop Signal
Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Gomez is a non-US resident; however, the agency did not know if he is here legally or illegally.
Photos courtesy Midway Fire Rescue
