A tragic collision in Bradenton yesterday night has left one person dead and several injured after a suspected drunk driver ran a red light. Cesar Navarrete, 25, was arrested following the crash.
According to the WFLA report, Navarrete was driving on Cortez Road in the westbound lanes, around 10:40 p.m., when he sped through the red light at the intersection of 43rd Street West, striking a Chevrolet Equinox that was making a turn.
The crash resulted in the death of the Equinox's passenger, Sara Holmes, 37, and the driver, 36, sustained non-life-threatening injuries, as told by Bradenton police officials to ABC Action News.
Navarrete and his passenger were also reported to be injured during the incident. Following the crash, Navarrete was arrested on the scene on an outstanding warrant for driving with a suspended license, and an impairment test was conducted, suggesting the involvement of alcohol as a factor in the crash. ABC7, citing the Bradenton Police Department's Traffic Homicide Unit, suspect that additional charges are pending the outcome of the DUI investigation.
The Bradenton Police Department’s Traffic Homicide Unit is continuing to investigate the circumstances of the collision. The loss of Sara Holmes has undoubtedly impacted the local community and once again highlights the perils of impaired driving. Despite the details shared by authorities, and, the wider conversation on traffic safety they invariably ignite, the Bradenton community mourns a preventable tragedy.
