Bradenton man charged with DUI manslaughter after fatal crash on I-75, FHP says

A Bradenton man faces a DUI manslaughter charge after troopers say he struck and killed a Florida Department of Transportation Road Ranger on Interstate 75, then blew more than four times Florida’s legal alcohol limit.

Darren Christopher Jenkins, 40, was arrested following the crash, which happened around 8:28 p.m. Sunday near mile marker 274 in Pasco County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Troopers said FDOT Road Rangers had responded to an earlier two-vehicle crash and were providing traffic control when Jenkins drove an Acura MDX SUV between two FDOT vehicles and struck a Road Ranger who was on foot setting up a lane closure.

The Road Ranger, a 24-year-old Brandon man, died at the scene, FHP said.

Bradenton man charged in fatal Pasco County crash

After the crash, Jenkins provided a breath sample that measured 0.334, according to FHP. Florida’s legal limit is 0.08.

Law enforcement booked Jenkins into the Pasco County Jail, FHP said.

If convicted, Jenkins could face up to 15 years in prison. Florida law requires a minimum four-year prison sentence for DUI manslaughter.

FHP did not immediately identify the Road Ranger by name or release additional details about the crash.

Michael Moore Jr.

Bradenton Herald

Michael Moore Jr. is the public safety and justice reporter for the Bradenton Herald. He covers crime, courts and law enforcement. Michael grew up in Bradenton and graduated from University of South Florida St. Petersburg.