A 30-year-old man from Lauderhill by the Sea has been arrested and charged in connection with the deaths of a Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) trooper and a truck driver. The incident occurred on a fateful Friday morning, leaving the community in shock and mourning.
The incident took place in Port St. Lucie, Florida, where a police chase on Interstate 95 resulted in the death of FHP trooper Zachary Fink and a yet-to-be-identified truck driver. It all began when a St. Lucie County deputy attempted to stop the suspect, identified as Michael Anthony Addison, for driving at twice the speed limit on I-95. However, Addison managed to disengage from the deputy after a few minutes.
Concerned about the safety of other drivers, Trooper Fink decided to pursue Addison. Unfortunately, the pursuit took a tragic turn when Addison abruptly made a U-turn into oncoming traffic. Fink followed, and their paths collided with a tractor-trailer. The truck driver tragically lost their life at the scene, while Fink was airlifted to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
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Following the incident, Michael Anthony Addison was apprehended and booked into the St. Lucie County Jail without bond. He is now facing several charges related to the deaths of Trooper Fink and the truck driver. These charges include vehicular homicide, felony homicide, driving without a license causing death or serious injury, aggravated fleeing to elude with serious injury or death, and an additional aggravated battery charge from Broward County.
The arrest of Addison brings some solace to the grieving community. However, it does not erase the pain and loss suffered by the families of the victims. Law enforcement officials and the loved ones of Trooper Fink and the truck driver acknowledge that this is not the end of their sorrow.
Trooper Zachary Fink, just 26 years old, had been a dedicated member of the Florida Highway Patrol for three years. He began his career in Orlando before transferring to his hometown in the Port St. Lucie area. Fink’s untimely death has left a void in the hearts of his fiancée, parents, and the entire community.
In a heartfelt statement, Governor Ron DeSantis expressed condolences to Trooper Fink’s family and the Florida Highway Patrol, acknowledging the sacrifice Fink made in his commitment to holding wrongdoers accountable and ensuring the safety of the community.
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving residents devastated. It serves as a somber reminder of the risks that law enforcement officers face every day to protect and serve. The loss of Trooper Fink and the truck driver has deeply affected the hearts of many, prompting an outpouring of support and condolences from the community.
Sheriff Keith Pearson of St. Lucie County emphasized the dedication and sacrifice of law enforcement officers, stating that tragedies like these could be prevented if individuals like Michael Addison followed the rule of law and complied with law enforcement. Pearson expressed gratitude for the combined efforts of law enforcement in holding Addison accountable for his actions.
The arrest of Michael Anthony Addison is a crucial step towards seeking justice and accountability for the lives lost and the pain inflicted. Dave Kerner, the executive director of Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, made it clear that the defendant would be held fully accountable for his actions. The Florida Highway Patrol and the families of Trooper Fink and the truck driver are determined to ensure that Trooper Fink’s intent to hold Addison accountable is accomplished.
Chief Judge Charles “Tony” Schwab of the 19th Judicial Circuit held Addison without bond on most counts, underscoring the severity of the charges. The public defender initially representing Addison will play a crucial role in the legal proceedings that lie ahead.
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The Broward County community has rallied together to support the families of Trooper Fink and the truck driver during this difficult time. The loss of two lives has left a lasting impact on the community, reminding everyone of the dedication and sacrifices made by law enforcement officers.
Heather Yokie-Fink, Trooper Fink’s mother, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and outpouring of love from the community. She described her family’s grief as unimaginable and emphasized that the tragedy still feels surreal.