News: Van driver faces DUI charges in North Port crash that killed motorcyclist

NORTH PORT, FL – A suspected drunk driver was arrested in connection with a deadly crash in Sarasota County on Tuesday night, state troopers said.

According to WWSB, 33-year-old Zachary Richards of North Port is facing charges in the incident that killed a motorcyclist and injured a passenger. The Florida Highway Patrol said Richards was driving a Ford transit van on U.S. Highway 41 at a high rate of speed with no headlights on. As a 67-year-old motorcyclist driving on U.S. 41 approached the intersection with Palm Harbor Drive and attempted to turn left, he collided with Richards’ van.

The motorcycle was then hit by another vehicle, an SUV. The motorcyclist, a North Port resident, was knocked off the bike and pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger, a 62-year-old woman, was hospitalized in critical condition.

Richards, who suffered minor injuries, was arrested at the scene on multiple charges, including DUI manslaughter and DUI serious bodily injury. He was booked into the Sarasota County Jail.

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in an accident caused by the negligence and recklessness of a DUI driver, the Sarasota County Car Accident Lawyers of Kemp Law Law Group are here to help. We will be by your side in the fight for justice and help you secure compensation for lost wages of the deceased, lost companionship, medical or funeral expenses and more. Respond in our online chat box or give us a call at (727) 788-6792 to schedule a free consultation with a member of our compassionate legal team.