A Florida trooper and a trucker were killed in a crash that occurred during a police pursuit early Friday morning.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) says that Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Zachary Fink, 26, and an unnamed truck driver died this morning in Port St. Lucie.
The incident began early on February 2 when officers with the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office spotted a white Kia traveling at excess speeds.
“Trooper Fink, who was in the area, saw the vehicle make a U-Turn and begin driving in the wrong direction. Trooper Fink then moved to make a U-Turn, and his vehicle was struck by a semi-truck near mile marker 120 southbound [on I-95],” said FLHSMV.
The Kia driver fled the scene. The Kia crashed into a tree at Commerce Center Drive near Brandywine Lane, and the driver fled on foot.
The truck driver died at the scene.
Fink was airlifted to a hospital but later died from his injuries.
A person of interest was apprehended by police at around 8 a.m. on Friday.
Officials say that the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office is handling the criminal investigation, and the traffic homicide investigation will be led by FHP traffic homicide investigators.
“Our hearts go out to the family of FHP Trooper Zachary Fink, who was killed in the line of duty while attempting to detain a fleeing felon in St. Lucie County,” said Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
“Trooper Fink died a hero protecting and serving his community,” said Florida Highway Patrol Colonel 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 felon tragically took his life. As a first responder, sacrifice is not new; it is daily and experienced while living, when missing breakfast with family, or when at work instead of with family. We appreciate Trooper Fink’s sacrifice and know that the people of Florida are safer because of his commitment to keeping them safe.”