The family of Arsenio Mas, a semi-truck driver killed in a high-speed crash involving a Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) trooper, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the law enforcement agency and the estate of the deceased trooper. The crash occurred during a frenetic chase on Interstate 95 on February 2, 2024, which also claimed the life of Trooper Zachary Fink, as reported by CBS12.
According to the lawsuit, filed on December 27, 2024, in St. Lucie County, Fink was in pursuit of a speeding Kia, with the suspect allegedly traveling at a dangerous 140 mph on I-95. Fink attempted to abruptly perform a U-turn to continue the pursuit after the Kia's driver, Michael Addison, began to drive the wrong way. It was during this maneuver that Fink's vehicle collided with Mas' truck, both men tragically losing their lives as a result. The plaintiffs accuse Fink and FHP of negligence and failing to adequately ensure public safety during the operation, as detailed by WPTV.
Among the multiple allegations listed, the lawsuit accuses Fink of having operated the patrol vehicle at an excessively high speed and cutting across traffic without sufficient warning. It alleges that he disregarded FHP policies for chasing fleeing vehicles and did so without a proper lookout for other motorists, such as Mas. The suit also claims Fink did not follow safe driving protocols and was otherwise reckless in his pursuit, putting the safety of the public in jeopardy.
Mas's estate, which is seeking damages in excess of $50,000, is represented by his son, Reynier Rodriguez, who has been appointed as the personal representative. An investigation following the crash noted that Mas was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision and was ejected from his vehicle. It's been reported that Fink, a three-year veteran of the FHP who was 26 at the time of his death, was defended by the Florida Police Benevolent Association. The president of the association was quoted saying, "We have authorization to try and stop that car by any means possible," in a statement obtained by WPTV.
Addison, the driver of the Kia, was apprehended approximately five hours after the incident and now faces numerous charges including vehicular homicide and felony murder. He was appointed a defense attorney on December 2, 2024, and is expected to return to court late the following month. The outcome of this case may lead to further debate over the tactics used by law enforcement in high-speed chases and their consequences for public safety.
