A driver was killed early Monday when a pickup left University Boulevard, jumped a curb into the parking lot of the Starbucks at San Jose Boulevard and University Boulevard, and smashed into a concrete light pole, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. The GMC Denali burst into flames after the impact, and the driver was pronounced dead at the scene. JSO's Traffic Homicide Unit responded to the crash, which happened around 2 a.m.
Speaking with News4JAX, Sgt. Robert Hungerford of JSO's Traffic Homicide Unit said the Denali had been heading west on University Boulevard when it left the roadway at the San Jose Boulevard intersection. The truck continued into the Starbucks lot, struck the concrete light pole and caught fire, he told the station.
Crash Site And Roadway Context
The wreck happened at a busy commercial intersection that the Florida Department of Transportation targeted in a University Boulevard resurfacing project last year. The project page from FDOT District 2 notes that the resurfacing between San Jose Boulevard and I-95 included median changes, new lighting and other work intended to reduce high-conflict crashes.
Traffic Homicide Investigation Underway
JSO's Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating what led up to the crash. As of Monday morning, officials had not released the driver's name or said whether impairment was suspected, according to News4JAX. The station also reported that this case marks the 41st traffic fatality in Duval County so far this year.
Investigators cleared the scene after completing their on-site work, and Hoodline will update this story if JSO releases additional details about the crash.
