FL Man Charged With Vehicular Homicide In Trooper's Killing

PORT ST. LUCIE, FL — A 30-year-old Florida man is facing charges in connection with the deadly crash that killed a state trooper Friday during a police chase in St. Lucie County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Trooper Zachary Fink, 26, was hit and killed after crashing with a semi-truck on Interstate 95 near Crosstown Parkway, per News Channel 8.

The FHP said Saturday the driver of the semi-truck also died in the crash. The driver was not identified.

Authorities accused Michael Anthony Addison, of Lauderdale by The Sea, of causing the crash by fleeing from agencies trying to conduct a traffic stop.

Addison was charged on suspicion of two counts of vehicular homicide, two counts of felony homicide and driving without a license causing death or serious injury by the FHP, authorities said.

The St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office charged him on suspicion of flee to elude police with lights/sirens activated and out of county warrant from Broward County Sheriff's Office-aggravated battery, authorities said.

Addison was booked into the St. Lucie County Jail without bond, authorities said.

FHP Col. Gary Howze II called Friday's crash a tragedy and said accountability will be held.

"It is impossible to summarize the feeling of loss felt due to the reckless decisions of one individual with a complete disregard for the safety of others,” Howze said in a news release.

Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Director Dave Kerner echoed Howze's sentiments.

"Trooper Fink gave his life to hold the defendant accountable and keeping our community safe from harm, and we will work to ensure Trooper Fink’s intent is accomplished,” Kerner said in the release.

Fink was in the 146th recruit class in Tallahassee from Aug. 3, 2020-Dec. 18, 2020. He was with the FHP for at least three years.