Two drivers involved in an accident on Interstate 75 that killed a beloved member of the Properties of the Villages sales team, won’t face criminal charges.
The May 3 accident claimed the life of George Phillips, Florida Highway Patrol trooper Chelsea Richard and tow truck driver John Duggan.
While they won’t face criminal charges, the two drivers will receive traffic citations.
As a result of the investigation, Troy Owens, 22, of Ocala was found to have violated Florida statute 316.185, which addresses special hazards, and 316.126 (1) (b), which concerns operation of vehicles on approach of an authorized emergency vehicle.
Another driver involved in the accident, John Lindecamp, 30, of Newberry is to be ticketed on a charge of careless driving.
Phillips, 55, had driven to the site of an earlier accident that rainy Saturday afternoon on I-75 south of Ocala. One of his children had been involved as a passenger in that accident.
While FHP trooper Richard was talking to Phillips and Dugan, they were struck by a pickup truck driven by Owens. Richard and Duggan were pronounced dead the scene. Phillips was taken to Ocala Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead late that night.