A Florida Highway Patrol trooper died in the line of duty Friday morning when he crashed on Interstate 95.
Police Officer Zachary Fink collided with a truck while pursuing a felony suspect, according to FOX 35.
The police officers had attempted to make a traffic stop on a Kia driver who was speeding.
Fink attempted to make a U-turn to follow the Kia after the suspect, after failing to stop for officers, made a U-turn and began driving in the wrong direction.
Fink was hit by a truck. He and the truck driver died in the accident.
The suspect fled the scene and ultimately crashed and abandoned his vehicle. There was no information on what charges the suspect faces.
A person of interest has been detained and the investigation remains active, the FHP said.
“The Florida Highway Patrol mourns the loss of Trooper Zachary Fink, who died in the line of duty,” the department said in a statement on social media.
“Today is a sad and difficult day for the policing profession,” said Dave Kerner, executive director of the FHP. “FHP has a proud history and Trooper Fink is a hero who died while helping people, something he was passionate about since he was six years old. “This dedication and love for helping others defines FHP and the FHP family honors their service and prays for all who lost a loved one today.”
Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Zachary Fink was killed when he collided with a truck while pursuing a felony suspect Friday morning. Florida Highway Patrol
Fink graduated with Recruit Class 146 in December 2020 and was assigned to Port St. Lucie Troop L at the time of his death.
“Trooper Fink died a hero protecting and serving his community,” said FHP Col. Gary Howze II. “After speaking with his family, I can say that Trooper Fink was living his dream as a Florida State Trooper when a criminal tragically took his life.”
“As a first responder, sacrifice is not new; It is everyday and is experienced in life, when you miss breakfast with the family or when you work instead of being with the family. We appreciate Trooper Fink’s sacrifice and know that the people of Florida are safer because of his commitment to keeping them safe.”
Wreckage from the crash involving Fink’s car and a tractor-trailer lay on the side of Interstate 95 on Feb. 2, 2024, in Florida.
Governor Ron DeSantis expressed his deepest condolences on social media.
“Our hearts go out to the family of FHP Trooper Zachary Fink, who was killed in the line of duty while attempting to apprehend a fleeing felon in St. Lucie County,” he wrote on X. “@CaseyDeSantis and I are Praying for the Fink family and the entire FHP community.”
Fink is survived by his parents and fiancée.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn