PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. – A Florida man has been arrested for his role in the deaths of a Florida Highway Patrol trooper and the driver of a semi-truck after a fatal crash on Interstate 95. 30-year-old Michael Anthony Addison, of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, is facing charges from FHP on two counts of vehicular homicide, two counts of felony homicide, driving without a license causing death or serious injury, and aggravated fleeing to elude with serious injury or death. The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office has also charged Addison with fleeing to elude police with lights/sirens activated and an out-of-county warrant from Broward County Sheriff’s Office on aggravated battery.
The incident unfolded when Trooper Zachary Fink was pursuing Addison, who was driving a white Kia in a “reckless manner” and speeding on I-95 in St. Lucie County early Friday morning. During the pursuit, Addison made an abrupt turn to travel the wrong direction on the interstate, resulting in a devastating crash that claimed the lives of both Fink and the semi-truck driver.
After the crash, the Kia involved eventually crashed into a tree less than two miles away. Addison then fled the scene on foot but was apprehended around 8 a.m. and subsequently booked into St. Lucie County Jail without bond.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers face every day while working to ensure public safety on the roadways. The loss of both Trooper Fink and the semi-truck driver has undoubtedly left a profound impact on their families, friends, and colleagues.
As the community mourns the loss of these two individuals, authorities will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash and pursue justice for the victims and their loved ones. The actions of the suspect in fleeing from law enforcement and causing such a devastating outcome will undoubtedly have serious legal consequences as well.
The arrest of Michael Anthony Addison serves as a somber reminder of the risks and tragedies that can result from reckless and unlawful behavior on the road. It also highlights the dedication and bravery displayed by law enforcement officers like Trooper Zachary Fink, who put their lives on the line to protect the public.