Hugo Andre Olivares of Miami, Florida was charged on Wednesday for his involvement in a St. Patrick’s Day accident that seriously injured Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Carlos Rosario-Flores as he was working on the Dolphin Expressway.

Olivares, 26, was charged with reckless driving, reckless driving causing serious bodily injury, and reckless driving causing property damage. News sources did not list an attorney for Olivares.

According to the arrest report, the alleged incident took place on March 17 on the Dolphin Expressway in Miami. Trooper Rosario-Flores, 37, was running a traffic stop on the shoulder of the expressway near NW 107th Avenue at around 9:30 a.m. as part of a detail to prevent speeding drivers on St. Patrick’s Day.

Olivares was driving a black Chevrolet HHR west on the expressway with a passenger aboard when he lost control of his car and struck Rosario-Flores. Police said Olivares was texting when he lost control of his vehicle. He and his passenger stayed at the scene of the crash and received treatment for minor injuries before they were released.

Rosario-Flores was critically injured and had to be flown to Jackson Memorial Hospital. He is still recovering at Jackson Memorial Hospital after receiving emergency surgery to repair injuries to his face, spine, and legs,

“While motioning to a speeding motorist, a second vehicle lost control and struck several of the patrol cars prior to striking Trooper Rosario-Flores,” said a GoFundMe page set up to help his family pay for medical expenses. “Trooper Rosario-Flores received serious injuries from the impact and was flown to Jackson Ryder Trauma Center for treatment.”

Another car accident involving a law enforcement officer was reported in Key West earlier this month. Lacy Marie Morris of Key West was arrested on May 2 in connection to a DUI crash that caused the death of police officer Christine Braswell.

Morris, 32, is being charged with DUI manslaughter, DUI causing bodily injury, DUI causing property damage, and possession of marijuana. It is unclear if she has acquired legal representation.

According to the police report, the crash occurred in Key West on April 8. Morris struck Braswell, 40, who riding a scooter, as she was attempting to make a left turn into Braswell’s lane. Marc was a passenger on Braswell’s scooter.

Police who responded to the crash noted that Morris was under the influence at the time of the crash. She reportedly smelled of alcohol and had glassy eyes. She declined to perform sobriety exercises and did not consent to a breath test. Police had to obtain a court order to draw her blood. Her blood-alcohol level was 0.172 and 0.175, which is more than twice the legal limit in the state. Police also found a half-smoked marijuana cigarette in her car.

Braswell and Marc were taken to Jackson Ryder Trauma Center for treatment. Braswell died a few hours later and Marc suffered serous injuries, including abdominal hemorrhaging, a damaged spleen, and four fractured ribs. She was released a week later.

Source: 5.10.17 Olivares Charged with Reckless Driving for Striking Rosario.pdf