Crime & Safety

Authorities: Driver Plows Into Accident Scene

Christopher William Gamel of New Port Richey was arrested and charged with careless driving and multiple counts of DUI personal injury and property damage.

A driver plowed into a New Port Richey accident scene, striking three vehicles and injuring a Florida Highway Patrol trooper, authorities say.

Christopher William Gamel, 42, of Chipmunk Drive in New Port Richey, was arrested and charged with careless driving and multiple counts of DUI personal injury and property damage, according to FHP.

The incident occurred late Friday, April 12 on State Road 54, west of Little Road. Troopers say Gamel was traveling westbound around 11:40 p.m. when he came upon the investigation scene and failed to stop for the emergency vehicles, which had their emergency lights activated. Gamel’s 2007 Pontiac G6 struck a Florida Highway Patrol car and a tow truck parked on the inside lane and a Pasco County Sheriff’s Office Service Patrol Truck in the center lane.

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Trooper Mike Hollis, who was outside his patrol car, was also sideswiped by Gamel’s vehicle, according to FHP. Hollis suffered non-life threatening injuries.

Gamel was treated for minor injuries and then arrested. His blood-alcohol content measured .214, according to FHP. The legal limit is .08.

Find out what's happening in New Port Richeyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The incident shut down State Road 54 westbound until 3 a.m. Saturday morning. 

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