Sheriff’s deputy killed in crash. A blown tire is to blame
A sheriff’s deputy was killed Saturday morning after blown tire caused a semi tractor-trailer to collide with his patrol car on Interstate 95 in Brevard County.
Brevard County Sheriff’s Office deputy Kevin Stanton, 32, of Titusville was killed in the crash at 5:10 a.m., according to the Florida Highway Patrol. He was a training officer for the sheriff’s office and had been with the agency for more than a decade, officials said.
Brevard County sheriff's deputy killed in crash on I-95 this morning in Titusville. Driver of semi lost control after a tire separation. Prayers for our law enforcement community. #fox35 #kevinstanton #bcso #fhp #i95 #titusville pic.twitter.com/AhqHl5uUmz
— Adam W. (@tvnewsadam) February 17, 2018
The right front tire of the semi, which was loaded with car parts, sustained a tread separation, and the truck veered into the path of the deputy’s cruiser, the FHP said. Both vehicles were southbound near mile marker 227.
The crash happened in the southbound lanes of I-95 near the intersection of State Road 50 and Garden Street.
This morning we stand and grieve with the brave men and women of the Brevard County Sheriff's Office as they struggle to deal with the tragic loss of a member of their ranks. Please join us in keeping them and their families in our prayers today and the difficult days to come. pic.twitter.com/4iEduSc09q
— TA Brown (@SA18PIO) February 17, 2018
During a news conference broadcast on WESH-TV, Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey said that Stanton was on his way to work in Viera. The Orlando Sentinel reports Stanton had received many letters of commendation, commendable services awards and was nominated for a Life Saving Award during his tenure with the sheriff’s department.
“It’s never easy when you get that phone call at 5:15 in the morning, telling you you lost one of your own,” Ivey said. “It appears it was an accident — appears it was God calling Kevin home, and we are left here trying to put the pieces together.”
Gov. Rick Scott issued a statement Saturday expressing his condolences.
“We pray that his family, fellow officers and loved ones find comfort in knowing that officer Stanton will be remembered as a decorated officer and hero,” Scott said. “While we saw firsthand the bravery of our law enforcement officers during and after the tragic shooting in Parkland this week, we must remember that Florida’s law enforcement officers make the incredible decision to put their lives on the line every day to protect families across our state.”
Tom Alberts: 941-745-7040, @alberts_tom
This story was originally published February 17, 2018 at 1:11 PM with the headline "Sheriff’s deputy killed in crash. A blown tire is to blame."