Bodycam Video Shows 2023 Crash Involving Off-Duty Delray Beach Firefighter Amid Brightline Crash Probe
Investigation into Crash Involving Delray Beach Fire Truck and Brightline Train
Body camera footage is providing investigators with a second look at a 2023 crash involving a Delray Beach off-duty firefighter, as part of an ongoing investigation into the December crash involving a Delray Beach fire truck and a Brightline train.
Crash Details
The footage captures responding officers arriving at the scene of a crash in June 2023 where David Wyatt, a Delray Beach Fire Rescue driver engineer, had just crashed into a tree. According to police, Wyatt was off-duty when he lost control of his car near the corner of West Atlantic and North Swinton avenues and crashed his jeep into a median, knocking over several signs and colliding with a tree.
Bodycam Footage
The audio of the body camera gets muffled, but Wyatt told officers he was alone in the car. When officers asked Wyatt what happened, he said his brakes failed. “My brakes,” he said. “OK, so you were going west over here? OK. So you were going there, you slammed on brakes and just lost control or something?” asked one officer. “Yes, sir, the brake, up on the curb, kind of messed me up a little bit quick, that’s it,” Wyatt replied.
Officer’s Response
Moments later, a friend who was following Wyatt also explained to officers what he saw. “All of a sudden I saw him swerve at the last second, and I just stopped right behind him to make sure everything was OK,” the friend said. However, when officers asked the friend whether Wyatt was behind the wheel, assuming he was driving alone, the friend said, “I can’t confirm or deny that.” That answer stunned the officer, who responded, “OK, first time I’ve ever had that answer.”
Investigation Findings
According to investigators, police officers said Wyatt’s eyes were red, and he suffered a cut on his head, but his speech was not slurred. Investigators added that due to his medical condition and unavailability of a roadside sobriety test, they didn’t have the evidence needed to potentially charge him with driving under the influence. Ultimately, Wyatt was cited for careless driving.
Connection to Brightline Crash
This June 2023 crash happened about 18 months before Wyatt was behind the wheel of the fire truck when it collided with the Brightline train, injuring 15 people. Since the crash, Delray Beach commissioners have been probing the status of firefighters’ driver’s licenses and driver records. As part of this investigation, they are examining the off-duty crash to make sure all the procedures in that crash were handled properly.
Police Chief’s Statement
In a statement, Delray Beach Police Chief Russ Mager said, “We are reviewing this case thoroughly to ensure protocols were followed and no procedural errors occurred in determining the appropriate legal course of action.”
License Suspension
At some point after the June 2023 crash, Wyatt did get his license suspended, but he did get it back. It is known that at the time of the Brightline crash, all firefighters on the truck had valid driver’s licenses.
Conclusion
The investigation into the 2023 crash involving the off-duty Delray Beach firefighter is ongoing, and the findings will be crucial in determining the cause of the crash and whether any procedures were not followed.
FAQs
Q: What was the cause of the 2023 crash involving the off-duty Delray Beach firefighter?
A: According to Wyatt, his brakes failed, causing him to lose control of his car.
Q: Was Wyatt charged with driving under the influence?
A: No, investigators did not have the evidence needed to potentially charge him with driving under the influence due to his medical condition and the unavailability of a roadside sobriety test.
Q: What was the outcome of the investigation into the 2023 crash?
A: Wyatt was cited for careless driving, and the investigation is ongoing to determine whether any procedures were not followed.
Q: Is the investigation into the 2023 crash connected to the Brightline crash?
A: Yes, the investigation into the 2023 crash is part of the ongoing investigation into the Brightline crash, which involved a Delray Beach fire truck and injured 15 people.
