Tampa police confirmed that a man was arrested for his alleged involvement in a wrong-way crash outside Tampa International Airport that killed two people early Sunday morning.
Alexander Bradford Jacobson, 30, faces charges of DUI manslaughter and vehicular manslaughter. He was ordered held on $150,000 bond during his first court appearance on Monday. It is unclear if he has acquired an attorney.
According to Tampa police, the crash occurred at approximately 3 a.m. January 26 on the George J. Bean Parkway, which is for northbound traffic going to Tampa International Airport. Jacobson was reportedly driving a Jeep in the wrong way when he crashed head-on into a Ford sedan. Both the driver and a passenger in the Ford died in the crash. Their names have not been released.
Jacobson sustained minor injuries. A witness told police that Jacobson exited his vehicle moments after the crash. He allegedly smelled like alcohol and marijuana, and had a “lethargic” and “sleepy” appearance with bloodshot, watery eyes, according to the arrest report. He was purportedly wearing a purple paper wristband and Gasparilla beads.
When questioned by police, Jacobson allegedly admitted he had drank two beers about four hours earlier at a bar in Ybor City, the report states. He was unable to successfully perform field sobriety exercises and was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
Jacobson was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital, where he consented to giving blood. He was taken to Hillsborough County Jail four and a half hours later. He agreed to perform a breath test, which showed his blood alcohol level was .081 and .083. The legal limit for driving in Florida is .08.
Jacobson was working as a rideshare driver at the time of the crash, but police didn’t specify for which company.
Records show Jacobson was previously arrested in 2012 in Minnesota for driving under influence, leaving the scene of a crash, and driving with an expired registration. He was convicted on a careless driving charge and the other charges were dropped.
DUI manslaughter is one of the most seriously prosecuted cases in a courthouse. Depending on the circumstances, DUI manslaughter may be prosecuted as a first degree felony, punishable by up to 30 years in prison, or as a second degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison per victim.
DUI manslaughter is usually treated as a second degree felony by default. However, if evidence proves the defendant was aware or should have been aware that an accident occurred, but failed to render aid and provide his information, prosecutors may file it as a first degree felony.
Given that a charge will always include at least one grieving and angry family, it is important for a person charged with DUI manslaughter to hire an experienced defense attorney who can mount an aggressive defense in a tasteful manner without creating additional blow back or liability for the defendant.
South Florida DUI Attorney
If you have been arrested for DUI manslaughter, then you should hire an attorney. Contact Brian Silber, P.A. to set up a free initial consultation and work with one of South Florida’s most experienced DUI attorneys.
Source: 1.27.20 victims in wrong way crash at Tampa airport were in rideshare car.pdf