FHP trooper, semi-truck driver killed during wrong-way pursuit, officials say
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PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (WFLA) — An Florida Highway Patrol trooper was killed Friday morning after a crash with a semi-truck, according to officials.
Port. St. Lucie police said the crash happened between an FHP cruiser and a tractor-trailer on I-95, south of Crosstown Parkway.
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The FHP identified the trooper as Trooper Zachary Fink, who was killed during an active pursuit of a suspect on the highway.
“Trooper Fink is a hero,” said Dave Kerner, director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. “Trooper Fink died in the line of duty. As his stepmother relayed to me, since he was 6 years old, all he wanted to do was help people.”
FHP Col. Gary L. Howze II said at about 2:40 a.m., a St. Lucie County deputy spotted a white Kia on West Midway Road driving recklessly, but when the deputy approached, the car sped off and led a short pursuit before the deputy disengaged.
Eight minutes later, Fink spotted the same vehicle continuing to drive recklessly over the speed limit. Howze said the trooper tried to pursue the vehicle onto I-95, but as the Kia got on the southbound lanes, the driver began driving in the wrong direction.
“Trooper Fink, in an attempt to continue to apprehend the subject and/or warning unsuspecting motorists of the immediate danger in the area, turned also with the vehicle,” the colonel said.
Howze said Fink ended up turning right into the path of the semi-truck, which crashed into the driver’s side of his patrol car. The truck driver was pronounced dead at the scene, and Fink died after being airlifted to a hospital for his injuries.
The FHP said the driver continued to flee state troopers before he crashed into a tree. According to Howze, the suspect ran away from the crash scene, but he was caught at about 8:06 a.m. after a manhunt involving multiple agencies.
According to Kerner, this is the 53rd state trooper who was killed in the line of duty in the history of the Florida Highway Patrol.
Port. St. Lucie police said at least one man has been detained in relation to the FHP investigation. The suspect’s identity will be released at a later time.
Fink was only 26 years old when he died. He is survived by his parents and his fiancée.
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