2 In Critical Condition; 1 Charged with DUI in Friday Night Crash

Two New Port Richey people remain in critical condition today after a Friday night accident. And another has been arrested on DUI charges related to the crash, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. 

Douglas Frank Cox, 51, was arrested and charged with DUI with serious bodily harm and violation of right of way.

Authorities said Cox was headed was traveling east on Old County Road 54 approaching the intersection of St. Lawrence Drive around 8 p.m. when he entered the right of way in the direct path of a car being driven by 58 year old Norman Ralph Stophel. Stophel's car collided with the front of Cox's car before both vehicles came to rest in the intersection.

Stophel was transported to Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point where he remains in critical condition. Katherine J. Jernquist, 45, a passenger in Cox's vehicle, was also transported to the hospital where she remains in critical condition.

The crash remains under investigation, according to authorities.

Editor's note: This article was updated at 1:45 p.m. July 22 to reflect the Florida Highway Patrol as the arresting agency. A previous version said otherwise.