Habitual traffic offender caught speeding in school zone

Local 6 viewer tip leads deputies to Curry Ford, Chickasaw Trail zone

ORLANDO, Fla. – A 30-year-old habitual traffic offender was arrested by Orange County deputies when he was caught speeding during a school zone checkpoint requested by Local 6 viewers

Roy Douglas Johnson, already banned from driving a motor vehicle, was arrested Thursday morning after being caught on radar going 55 mph in a 20 mph school zone near the corner of Curry Ford Road and S. Chickasaw Trail.

Sgt. Carl Santiago says Douglas used his cousin's name and birthday but when deputies checked the records on the computer the photo didn't match. He finally admitted his true identity.

Orange County Jail Records show Douglas' drivers license was revoked in 2009.
Under state law a habitual traffic offender is not eligible to apply for a drivers license for five years.

"This tip paid off, Santiago said," We took a habitual traffic offender off the road today because someone said please go work this area, there is a problem here."

Deputies issued 30-citations in the school zones for Chickasaw Elementary and Liberty Middle School.

A long time crossing guard identifying himself only as Mario, says he is used to drivers speeding well over the 20-mph limit in the Chickasaw Elementary school zone.

"To me that's nothing new, he said, they're not paying attention to where they are going and when you're driving in a second, anything can happen."

Veteran Motor Deputy Mike Johnson says most drivers aren't paying attention.
"They're oblivious to the school zones, flashing lights and posted signs," Johnson said.

One driver clocked at 47 mph on Curry Ford Road didn't understand why he was ticketed.

"I saw the light, I jammed on my brakes….the minute I saw the blinking light I slammed on the brakes but I don't know where it ends."

Speeding in a 20 mph school zone is an expensive offense:

  • 1-9 mph over- $154
  • 10-14 mph over $304
  • 15-19 mph over is $404
  • 20-29 mph over is $454

Drivers exceeding the limit by 30 or must go to court. Fines can be as much as $1,000.

If you have a school zone you feel is a speed safety risk email Mike Holfeld at mholfeld@wkmg.com or post the location on Facebook.


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