On February 15, 2012 at approximately 11:46 am, DeFuniak Springs Police Officers were dispatched to a semi tractor/trailer versus stop sign. The location of the crash was at Regions Bank located on U.S. Highway 90 West.
When the officers arrived the semi was obstructing the roadway, creating a hazard to other motorist. Officers worked quickly and safely to clear the hazard. The driver of the semi, Leonard Pritchett, indicated the crash was the result of the semi’s faulty brakes. Pritchett was charged for operating defective equipment. The name of the trucking company is Thomas Hicks Trucking.
At approximately 11:52 am, officers were dispatched to a school bus versus passenger car. The location of this crash was County Road 83 North, in the area of Government Street.
The Walton County School bus was being driven by Desirae Fields with no passengers. Further investigation found that the bus was traveling south on County Road 83 North, in the area of Government Street. A 2001 Buick passenger car driven by Betty Brannon traveled from the shoulder of the roadway into the path of the bus. Brannon was found at fault and was charged with careless driving.
Within minutes later, at approximately 11:57 am, yet another call came in reporting a crash on U.S. Highway 90 in the area of Advance Auto Parts. Officers responded to find a vehicle had collided into another vehicle that was traveling in the same direction that was slowing to stop.
The two vehicles were attempting to move out of the way of an emergency medical vehicle responding to the other crashes. There were no visible damages, therefore both parties left the scene declining any further action.
Fortunately there were no reported injuries during these three crashes. DeFuniak Springs Police would like to remind our citizens, when you observe any emergency vehicle responding in an emergency mode, you as a motorist have the responsibility to yield so they can pass or get through the obstructing traffic. It is also important that you do so in a safe manner.
As we approach another Holiday “Presidents’ Day” we at the DeFuniak Springs Police wish you a Happy and Safe one. Remember to Buckle Up it’s the Law.
Lieutenant Tilman Mears
Special Operations Division Commander
mearstf@defuniakspringspolice.net