A 33-year-old man has been arrested on DUI manslaughter charges in connection with a multi-vehicle crash in Altamonte Springs earlier this year that claimed the lives of two family members.
According to the Altamonte Springs Police Department, the fatal collision occurred shortly after 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17, near the intersection of E Altamonte Drive and Hermits Trail.
An investigation reportedly revealed that a man, identified as Guillermo Mario Rojas, was traveling westbound in a Jeep Gladiator when his vehicle struck a Dodge Durango. Following that initial impact, Rojas allegedly lost control of the Jeep, crossed the median into oncoming traffic, and collided head-on with a Honda SUV.
The two adult female occupants of the Honda SUV, who police noted were family members, later died from injuries sustained in the crash.
Traffic homicide investigators determined that speed was a contributing factor in the wreck, according to Altamonte Springs police. In addition, toxicology results obtained during the months-long investigation reportedly indicated that Rojas was impaired at the time of the crash.
Based on the evidence gathered, authorities secured an arrest warrant for Rojas.
On Friday, June 5, Rojas was placed under arrest and booked into Seminole County Jail, where he remains in custody without bond. He is facing two counts of DUI manslaughter.
“The Altamonte Springs Police Department extends its condolences to the family and loved ones of the victims,” said the agency in a social media post on Friday morning. “This tragic crash serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of impaired driving.”