Collier Ambulance At Fault But Not Charged

Crash Injures Four Including Ambulance Patient

IMMOKALEE, FL. -- A Collier County ambulance collided at a red light with a unmarked Collier Sheriff's Ford SUV November 28 at 7:42 a.m. Because the ambulance driver was fulfilling her duties she was not charged, although at fault according to the Florida Highway Patrol investigation.

Kristopher Sutton, 34 of Naples was driving an unmarked Collier County Sheriff's Department vehicle, traveling north on Kings Way approaching the intersection of SR 84. Eva Weeks, 56 of Naples in a marked Collier County ambulance was traveling west on SR 84 approaching the intersection of Kings Way. The SUV when entering the intersection,  struck the ambulance in the left rear axle. Sutton suffered minor injuries.

After being struck,  the ambulance was knocked onto its right side, and continued to travel in a westerly direction on its side, struck a raised curb with its front and rotated in a counterclockwise direction and finally coming to final rest on its right side facing north on SR 84.

The ambulance had an EMS worker, Rebecca Wilson, 33 of LaBelle as a passenger and a patient, 70-year old Phyllis Robinson  on board. The patient was being transported for medical reasons to a local hospital for treatment. Driver Wilson suffered minor injuries. Patient Robinson suffered critical injuries and passenger Wilson serious injuries. Sutton and Weeks were taken to Naples Community Hospital, and Wilson and Robinson to Lee Memorial Hospital.

Crash Investigator Sergeant Dwayne W. Cooper of the FHP explains, "It should be noted that both drivers stated that they had the green light. The witnesses have similar statements. Based on the totality of the crash investigation it is determined that vehicle 2 entered the intersection on a red light. Witnesses stated that they saw emergency lights but heard no sirens for vehicle 2. Even though the emergency lights were activated, vehicle 2's driver is required by Florida Statute to yield to vehicles that have legally entered an intersection and shall have the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using the highways. Furthermore, with no siren and the ambulance not stopping, vehicle 1's driver did not have much if any warning."