A Florida Keys constitution boat captain was arrested by state wildlife officers for allegedly working a vessel beneath the affect on the time of a crash that injured seven within the Decrease Keys final July.
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Fee introduced that Laurence Lee Lewis Jr., 42, of Large Pine Key, was arrested and charged with three felony counts of sailing beneath the affect, one felony rely of neglect of a kid and 7 further misdemeanors. These expenses are in relation to a July 8, 2024, crash that significantly injured seven folks in Monroe County.
Investigation by FWC decided that Lewis was working a 35-foot-long vessel with seven occupants on board as a captain for a fishing constitution. The group was getting back from their fishing journey when Lee collided with the South Pine Channel Bridge at a excessive charge of velocity, ejecting a number of passengers.
Monroe County Hearth Rescue made it to the crash scene earlier than the vessel began sinking. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Fee officers and the Towboat US Large Pine/Cudjoe Key boat towing service additionally responded to the scene not lengthy after the crash.
All of the passengers have been injured and needed to be rescued from the water. Two of the victims, a 28-year-old feminine and an 11-year-old male, needed to be airlifted. The victims noticed Lewis consuming alcohol all through the day main as much as the crash; alcohol bottles and drug paraphernalia have been discovered on the scene.
To report harmful boating exercise, the general public can submit nameless suggestions by texting 847411 (Tip411) with the key phrase “FWC” adopted by the situation and any details about the violation or name 888-404-FWCC (3922).