Darran Johnson of Boynton Beach, Florida was arrested on August 14 for his alleged involvement in last month’s crash that killed Broward Sheriff’s Office deputy Benjamin Nimtz.
Johsnon, 32, was charged with DUI manslaughter, DUI with damage to another’s property, vehicular homicide, reckless driving causing injury, driving with a suspended license, and possession of marijuana. He was also ticketed for speeding and running a red light. He was ordered held without bond.
According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, Nimtz, 30, was responding to a domestic violence call in Deerfield Beach at approximately 3 a.m. on July 21 when the crash happened. He was driving his patrol cruiser south on Military Trail with his vehicle’s emergency lights and siren activated.
Johnson was driving a Toyota Tundra east on SW 10th Street above the speed limit, police said. He ran the red light at the Military Trail intersection and crashed into Nimtz’s vehicle.
Nimtz was rushed to Broward Heatlh North, where he was later pronounced dead. Johnson was taken to the same hospital and was released a few days later.
The arrest affidavit states that Johnson was traveling 13 mph over the 45 mph speed limit and was under the influence of alcohol. Nimtz was also reportedly driving at 65 mph to 75 mph, bringing into question who had the right of way when the collision happened.
Records show Johnson has had his driver’s license suspended at least three times: once for failing to complete court ordered schooling and twice for failing to pay traffic fines.
Cases of DUI manslaughter are common occurrence in Broward County. Just earlier this month, Craig Jacob Wilk was arrested on August 7 for his role in a DUI car crash that killed one and injured two others.
Wilk, 34, faces over a dozen charges, including DUI manslaughter, vehicular homicide, and possession of marijuana. He was ordered to remain in jail without bond. It is unclear if he has acquired the services of an attorney.
According to Broward police, the crash occurred at around 10:45 p.m. March 26 in the 800 block of East Dania Beach Boulevard. Wilk was allegedly driving at speeds as high as 91 mph when he attempted to switch lanes and crashed into the back of a Hyundai Sonata.
Audrey Jackson of Opa-locka was driving the Hyundai with two passengers, John Davis, and Malcolm Clark. They were all rushed to Broward Health Medical Center with serious injuries. Jackson was later pronounced dead.
Wilk allegedly agreed to give police a sample for a blood-alcohol test. The results showed that his blood alcohol content was .16, which twice the legal limit for driving in Florida.
Records show that Wilk has had numerous past traffic violations, including running a red light on three occasions in the past four years, driver’s license suspension, and being ticketed for driving 22 mph over the posted speed limit.
Broward County DUI Attorney
If you have been arrested for a DUI, then you should hire an attorney. Contact us to set up a free initial consultation and work with one of Broward County’s most experienced DUI attorneys.
Source: 8.14.19 Driver in crash that killed a BSO deputy faces DUI charges.pdf