Fatal chase prompts punishment, policy change in Lake County

FHP: 2 women, unborn baby killed after chase ends in head-on crash

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – The Lake County Sheriff's Office said it has placed the supervisor who led the pursuit that resulted in a head-on crash that killed two women and an unborn baby on a six-month probationary period.

The Sheriff's Office said it also removed the officer from a promotion list.

Deputies said they were chasing 27-year-old Mylynda Martinez, a known drug user who they say saw leave a suspected drug house, when the crash occurred in May.

The sheriff's office says Martinez ran a stop sign and that is when the 15-mile chase started. It went through Leesburg and Mascotte, ending when officers used stop sticks. Troopers say at least one of Martinez's tires were punctured. FHP says Martinez lost control of her vehicle and crashed into the SUV of Kimberly King, 46.

Both women died from their injuries. Martinez's unborn baby also died in the crash.

Deputies said the supervisor is appealing the department's disciplinary action.

LCSO also revised its pursuit policy to allow deputies to only pursue those suspected of committing a forcible felony, or those who are considered an extreme danger to the public.   

LCSO Motor Vehicle Pursuits


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