Ocala driver suspected of drink-driving released before fatal crash kills mother and son
A Florida police officer allowed a driver he suspected was intoxicated to continue driving after the driver admitted to drinking. Minutes later, the vehicle crashed, killing a mother and son. The incident has raised serious questions about police procedures and officer training.
On 29 September, Ocala police stopped two brothers who were arguing; body-camera footage shows the older brother admitted to drinking, yet the officer allowed them to leave. Within minutes, the vehicle crashed, killing De Lawn Marshall Duncan, 51, and Eric Derick Maurice McGill, 31. Police Chief Mike Balken acknowledged the officers "failed to investigate a possible DUI." The officer involved had only completed 30 days of training and has been placed on paid administrative leave whilst an investigation lasting approximately four weeks is underway.
- Police officer let alleged drunk driver go; he crashed minutes later, killing two people
- Officer had only been training for 30 days; investigation now underway
- Victims were De Lawn Marshall Duncan, 51, and Eric Derick Maurice McGill, 31
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An Ocala police officer released a driver he suspected was intoxicated, despite the driver admitting to drinking alcohol. Minutes later, the vehicle crashed, killing De Lawn Marshall Duncan, 51, and Eric Derick Maurice McGill, 31. The incident has raised questions about police procedures during traffic stops involving suspected drunk drivers.
On 29 September, police stopped two brothers who were arguing. Body-camera footage shows the older brother told the officer he had consumed alcohol, but the officer allowed both men to continue in the vehicle. Ocala police chief Mike Balken later acknowledged that officers "failed to investigate a possible DUI."
The officer involved had only completed 30 days of training and has been placed on paid administrative leave whilst an investigation takes place. The case highlights concerns about officer training standards and decision-making procedures in law enforcement when public safety may be at stake.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Cop let impaired driver go… moments later he crashed car and killed innocent mother and son, investigators say”.