Tampa, FL (April 18, 2019) – A 48-year-old Tampa man identified as Wayman Jerald Pearson II was charged with DUI manslaughter after crashing into a bicyclist while drunk on Sunday.

Police responded to the accident on East Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard around 11:50 p.m. to find that the Acura struck the bicyclist who was riding in the same lane as he was. The bicyclist was thrown from his bike and through Pearson’s windshield.

According to authorities, the bicyclist died at the scene. Witnesses said that the bicyclist had been riding along properly lighted and had been visible.

After the crash, Pearson fled the scene but then turned around and came back. When officers confronted him, they noticed a strong scent of alcohol and his eyes were bloodshot and glassy. He refused to take field sobriety tests and provided a breath sample that showed his BAC at .129. Police say that he showed little concern for the bicyclist.

Pearson was arrested early Monday and is now being held without bail in jail.

 

Tampa DUI Manslaughter LawsTampa DUI Manslaughter Laws

 

If you have been charged with a traffic offense in Florida, you might be facing anything from a minor misdemeanor to a serious felony. If you have been charged with DUI manslaughter, you could be facing a lengthy prison stay and a loss of license for a hefty amount of time. DUI manslaughter is one of the most serious traffic crimes that a person can commit because it happens when somebody was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and a death takes place. You could be looking at a loss of rights for an extended period of time, which is why it is imperative to have an attorney on your side.

At Musca Law, our attorneys have experience in various DUI-related crimes in Florida, including DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide. Regardless of the situation that landed you in this position and the reality of years behind bars, we will put you top priority and provide you with the best defense possible even when the evidence might be stacked against you. It is imperative to seek legal help as soon as possible. Please reach out to us for more information at (888) 484-5057.