FHP says Darren Jenkins, 40, was involved in a hit-and-run crash in Ocala the same day he hit and killed a road ranger in Lutz. He was charged with DUI manslaughter.
LUTZ, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol has released the name of the 24-year-old road ranger killed in a crash Sunday, along with new details on the arrest of the suspected drunk driver responsible.
The crash happened just before 8:30 p.m. Sunday on I-75 South near I-275 South in Lutz.
FDOT road rangers responded to provide traffic assistance after a two-car crash on the interstate. Shortly after they arrived, a man in an Acura MDX drove between two FDOT vehicles and hit a road ranger who was standing on the road, attempting to set a lane closure, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
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An arrest report from FHP identifies the road ranger as 24-year-old Antonio Marazita.
The driver was identified as 40-year-old Darren Jenkins. Troopers said his breath sample showed an alcohol concentration of 0.334, more than four times the legal limit. They said he was also seen drinking mouthwash in the driver’s seat of the car and showed signs of intoxication during field sobriety tests.
Jenkins was arrested, charged with DUI manslaughter and taken to the Pasco County Jail.
According to the arrest report, Jenkins was involved in a hit-and-run crash in Ocala the same day he hit and killed the road ranger. The Ocala Police Department will be issuing a warrant for charges of leaving the scene of a crash with property damage.
FHP also says Jenkins was arrested for DUI in Georgia on June 12. Because of the previous crashes, troopers are requesting that Jenkins be held in Pasco County Jail without bond.