Madeira Beach, Florida – A Friday night crash in Madeira Beach turned fatal after a pedestrian was struck in a marked crosswalk, leading to the arrest of a local woman on a DUI manslaughter charge. Authorities say impairment is suspected as a key factor in the incident, which claimed the life of a 72-year-old man.
Incident Overview
The crash occurred around 9 p.m. Friday near the intersection of 150th Avenue and Madeira Way in Madeira Beach, Florida. According to investigators, Michael Arndt, 72, was lawfully crossing the street in a marked crosswalk when he was hit by a 2022 Jeep Wrangler.
The vehicle was driven by Vanessa Downs, 51, a Pinellas County resident. Deputies with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and began a DUI investigation shortly after the collision.
Timeline of Events
- Around 9 p.m. Friday: Crash reported near 150th Avenue and Madeira Way
- Michael Arndt struck while walking in a marked crosswalk
- Arndt transported to a hospital
- He was later pronounced dead
- Vanessa Downs detained at the scene and evaluated by deputies
- Driver arrested on DUI manslaughter charge
- Saturday morning: Downs released from jail on bond
Details From Police and Officials
In a news release, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office stated that Downs “showed signs of impairment and performed poorly on field sobriety tests.” Based on the results of the roadside investigation, deputies arrested her on a charge of DUI manslaughter.
“The driver showed signs of impairment and performed poorly on field sobriety tests,” sheriff’s officials said…