Man Charged with DUI in Deadly December Crash

A New Port Richey man was arrested Monday on charges stemming from a deadly vehicle wreck on U.S. 19 in December

David Wilson Smith, 56, was charged with driving under the influence-manslaughter and driving under the influence causing injuries Monday and booked into the Land O’ Lakes Jail, according to the New Port Richey Police Department.

Just before 4 p.m. on December 10, 2010, Smith was driving a red 1994 Dodge Viper north in the center lane of U.S. 19 at the 7100 block south of Avery Lane in New Port Richey, according to a media alert.

A 1995 Saturn SL driven by Myrtle Knowles Sigmon, 72, of Hudson, was headed north in the left lane of U.S. 19.

The cars collided, and the Saturn crossed the median into southbound traffic. The Saturn was hit by a Jeep Liberty. Sigmon was pronounced dead at the scene.

Analysis revealed that Smith’s blood alcohol content that night was .10. A driver is presumed impaired in Florida if their blood alcohol content is .08 or above.