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A 26-year-old Florida Freeway Patrol trooper was killed within the line of obligation in a single day whereas chasing a suspect on the interstate, authorities stated.
Trooper Zachary Fink was attempting to apprehend a fleeing felon who was driving recklessly in St. Lucie County. The suspect refused to cease and led Fink on a pursuit, authorities stated at a information convention Friday.
The suspect then made an abrupt flip and began driving within the improper course on the interstate, authorities stated. Fink additionally circled in an effort to apprehend him and warn different drivers, authorities stated.
However as soon as Fink turned, he collided with an 18-wheeler semi-truck driver. Each Fink and the truck driver died from their accidents, authorities stated.
Scene of the place Florida Freeway Patrol Trooper Zachary Fink was killed in an I-95 crash simply south of Southwest Crosstown Parkway in Port St. Lucie, Feb. 2, 2024.
Kaila Jones /TCPALM through USA In the present day Community
The suspect ultimately crashed his automobile right into a tree and fled the scene on foot, authorities stated. A manhunt ensued and the suspect, who has not been recognized, was taken into custody at about 8 a.m. Friday, authorities stated.
Fink, a three-year veteran of the freeway patrol, leaves behind his fiancée, father and stepmother, authorities stated.
Regulation enforcement escorts an ambulance carrying Florida Freeway Patrol Trooper Zachary Fink’s physique from Lawnwood Hospital on Feb. 2, 2024.
Crystal Vander Weit/TCPALM through USA In the present day Community
“Trooper Fink is a hero who died whereas serving to folks, one thing he was obsessed with because the age of six,” stated Dave Kerner, government director of Florida Freeway Security and Motor Automobiles.
“After talking along with his household, I can say that Trooper Fink was dwelling his dream as a Florida State trooper when a felon tragically took his life,” added Col. Gary Howze of the Florida Freeway Patrol. “As a primary responder, sacrifice is just not new; it’s day by day and skilled whereas dwelling, when lacking breakfast with household, or when at work as an alternative of with household. We admire Trooper Fink’s sacrifice and know that the folks of Florida are safer due to his dedication to preserving them protected.”
ABC Information’ Jianna Cousin contributed to this report.
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