BSO: Detectives Arrest Driver From Deadly 3 Car Accident

Detectives Make Arrest From The October 31st Accident That Occurred Near Hollywood Airport On Halloween.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (Boca Post) — Broward Sheriff’s Office announced that the Traffic Homicide Unit made an arrest on a deadly crash that occurred near the Fort Lauderdale – Hollywood International Airport last Halloween.

Michael Crooks, 25, of Pembroke Pines, was driving a Jeep Wrangler last Halloween that allegedly caused an accident when he failed to negotiate the exit ramp curve. During the collision with two other vehicles, two passengers in Crooks’ wrangler were ejected from the vehicle. One of passengers was subsequently run over by one of the other vehicles and died at the scene.

Crooks has now arrested for the incident. Crooks is currently in BSO custody facing 16 charges including:

• 2 counts of DUI MANSLAUGHTER – UNLAWFUL BLOOD ALCOHOL LEVEL (316.193-3c3a)
• 1 count VEHICULAR HOMICIDE-PERSON OR VAIBLE FETUS (782.071-1a)
• 6 counts of DUI W/DAM TO PROP OR PERSON OF ANOTHER (316.193-3c1)
• 6 counts of RECKLESS DRIVING CAUSE SERIOUS BODILY INJURY (316.192-3c1)
• 1 count PROBATION VIOLATION OR COMMUNITY CONTROL/FELONY (948.06)

According to court documents, Crooks is being held on $312,000 Bond and there is an order that he has to surrender his passport.

From BSO:

Broward Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit detectives arrested Micheal Cecile Crooks for his involvement in the three-vehicle crash that left one woman dead and several injured near Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on Oct. 31.

According to investigators, shortly before 9:09 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 31, Crooks and two passengers of a 2011 Jeep Wrangler SUV were in the inside lane of the exit ramp from eastbound I-595 to northbound South Federal Highway. At the same time, the driver of a 2003 Toyota Tacoma was traveling in the outside lane in the same location. The driver and passenger of a 1998 Toyota Corolla was heading northbound on South Federal Highway in the far-left thru lane.

The on scene investigation revealed that Crooks, while driving the Jeep Wrangler, failed to negotiate the exit ramp curve, striking the rear of the Toyota Tacoma. The impact caused the driver of the Toyota Tacoma to rollover.

The Jeep Wrangler traveled northwest and crossed multiple northbound lanes of traffic, where it entered the left thru lane. Meanwhile, the driver of the Toyota Corolla applied emergency brakes but was struck by the Jeep Wrangler. The impact caused multiple occupants to be ejected from the Jeep Wrangler.

The Toyota Corolla slid into the center median and came to a final stop on top of one of the passengers from the Jeep Wrangler. That passenger was pronounced deceased at the scene by Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue personnel. All other occupants were transported to a local hospital with various injuries.

Crooks faces several charges including vehicular homicide, DUI manslaughter and violation of probation. He was booked at the Main Jail and is being held without bond.

Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact BSO Traffic Homicide Detective Sean Williams at 954-375-3181. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477) or online at browardcrimestoppers.org.