Man charged with DUI after crash killed passenger, split car in half in Broward: deputies
A man suspected of drunk driving was arrested after deputies say he was speeding and swerving lanes before smashing into a tree — splitting the car in half — in a grisly crash that resulted in the death of his passenger in Cooper City.
Ivan Billie Jr. is in custody, the Broward Sheriff’s Office said Sunday afternoon. The 25-year-old faces six charges that include vehicular homicide and driving under the influence resulting in death.
At around 4:30 a.m. Saturday, Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue and BSO were called to the scene of a crash near Sheridan Street and Solano Avenue. Upon arrival, they found a car split in half.
One man, whose identity has not been released, was pronounced dead at the scene, BSO said. Billie Jr. was found injured and taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
In bond court Sunday, prosecutors noted Billie Jr’s. blood alcohol level was nearly .24% — about three times Florida’s legal limit of .08%.
Billie Jr. was driving a 2023 Chevrolet Camaro with a male passenger, according to the initial investigation. He was heading east on Sheridan Street when he tried to swerve around another vehicle in his lane. Billie Jr. then lost control of his car, which veered into the center median and hit a tree.
The impact caused the car to slide further and hit a second tree. The car then crossed the westbound lanes and struck a large concrete utility pole, breaking it at the base and splitting the car in half. The vehicle continued moving until it finally came to a stop in the westbound lanes.
Following the crash, Billie Jr. was seen walking away from the wreck “covered in blood.” Investigators confirmed that he was the driver and owner of the car.
After receiving medical treatment, Billie Jr. was arrested and taken to BSO’s Main Jail. His bond is set at $60,000.
BSO’s investigation into the crash is still ongoing.
