Police in Haines City announced that an Uber driver is facing charges after he allegedly crashed his vehicle while under the influence of meth and marijuana, killing his passenger.
Clint Fischer, 27, of Orange County was charged with DUI manslaughter, vehicular homicide, and possession of meth and drug paraphernalia. It is unclear if he has acquired the services of an attorney.
According to Haines City police, the crash occurred at around midnight on January 8 at U.S. 17-92 and Shamrock Drive. Fischer was driving a rented Toyota sedan when he crashed into the back of a tractor-trailer that was slowing down on the roadway.
Fischer’s passenger, identified as Estevan Pascual of Orlando, sustained blunt force trauma to the head and was pronounced dead at the scene. Fischer was rushed to an area hospital for treatment of facial injuries.
When questioned by police about the collision, Fischer reportedly told them that he was an Uber driver and he had picked up Pascual in Orlando and was driving him to a location in Haines City. The driver of the tractor-trailer he struck told police that he was looking for the location to drop off his cargo when his vehicle was rear-ended by Fischer’s Toyota.
An investigation of the crash site reportedly found that Fischer’s vehicle had begun drifting off the road and showed no signs of braking prior to impact. The Toyota continued to move forward after the impact before coming to rest next to the tractor-trailer.
Police searched the Toyota and purportedly found a bag containing a glass pipe containing a powdery residue that tested positive for meth. They obtained a warrant and took a blood sample from Fischer.
The results of the test came back on Tuesday and revealed Fischer was under the influence of a significant amount of methamphetamine and THC (marijuana), the arrest report said. That led to his arrest at his Orlando residence on Thursday night.
“As law enforcement officers, we see the merits of these ride-sharing applications for those who are drinking or without a license,” Haines City Police Chief Jim Elensky said. “Those using these applications should be able to have the expectation that their drivers be alert, competent and sober behind the wheel. In this case, the driver’s actions cost a man his life.”
DUI manslaughter is one of the most seriously prosecuted cases in court. Depending on the circumstances, a DUI manslaughter charge may be prosecuted as a first degree felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison, or a second degree felony punishable by up to 15 years.
DUI manslaughter is usually treated as a second degree felony by default. Given that the charge will always include at least one grieving family, it is imperative for someone facing a DUI manslaughter charge to hire an experienced attorney who can prepare an aggressive defense in a tasteful manner without creating additional liability for the defendant.
South Florida DUI Attorney
Have you or a loved one been arrested for DUI manslaughter? 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: 3.7.20 florida uber driver accused of killing passenger in DUI crash.pdf