Concerns Rise Over Impaired Driving Incidents in St. Petersburg

Community urges awareness on impaired driving as incidents rise.

News Summary

A series of tragic DUI-related incidents in St. Petersburg over the past week has resulted in fatalities and arrests, raising serious concerns about impaired driving in the area. Notable events include a DUI manslaughter charge against a woman after a fatal crash and multiple other DUI arrests. Officials urge the community to remain vigilant and promote awareness regarding the dangers of impaired driving.

St. Petersburg – Multiple incidents related to driving under the influence (DUI) have resulted in fatalities and arrests over the past week, highlighting growing concerns regarding impaired driving in the city. Authorities have reported significant incidents involving DUIs that have turned deadly and have led to serious injuries.

In a tragic event late Friday night, a woman named Kimberly Barham, 29, has been charged with DUI manslaughter after fatally hitting 32-year-old Tevin Griffin with her silver Land Rover SUV on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street S. Griffin was crossing the street in an unmarked crosswalk when the incident occurred around 9:45 p.m. Following the crash, Barham fled the scene but was located at her home roughly an hour later. Griffin was rushed to Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. Barham now faces charges of DUI manslaughter and leaving the scene of an accident.

In a separate incident early Monday morning, Cassandra Kaiser, 27, drove her vehicle into the bay around 2:30 a.m. Witnesses report that Kaiser managed to escape her sinking vehicle and swim to shore. When authorities arrived, they determined she was impaired and subsequently charged her with DUI. Fortunately, there were no severe injuries reported in this instance, but it adds to the ongoing concerns about impaired driving in St. Petersburg.

Another significant incident occurred on Sunday night involving Jeff Knight, 62, who was operating a recreational boat that collided with a Clearwater Ferry. This crash resulted in the death of 41-year-old Jose Castro and injuries to ten others, six of whom were classified as trauma alerts. Knight has a record of prior DUI offenses in 2007 and 2012 but passed a breathalyzer test with no alcohol detected immediately following the incident. Although he initially drove away from the scene, Knight cooperated with law enforcement once he was located. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has since seized both the ferry and the boat involved for further investigation.

Furthermore, another DUI-related incident has been confirmed. Kyle Hill, 33, was charged with DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide after crashing into another vehicle. This crash resulted in the death of passenger Arislenne Blanco, alongside serious injuries sustained by the drivers involved. These consecutive incidents illustrate a troubling trend in the St. Petersburg area.

The local community is being urged to stay vigilant about the dangers of impaired driving as these incidents unfold. Public responses have emphasized the need for increased awareness and precautionary measures to prevent future occurrences. Educational campaigns and law enforcement efforts may be strengthened as officials work towards reducing the number of DUI-related tragedies in St. Petersburg.

As the investigations continue, residents are reminded of the severe consequences that can arise from impaired driving. Law enforcement officials have reiterated the importance of designating sober drivers, using rideshare services, and remaining mindful of the responsibility that comes with operating any vehicle, whether it be a car or a boat.

This series of fatal and injurious incidents related to DUI serves as a sobering reminder of the potential hazards on the road and waterways, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and caution among motorists and boaters alike.