Florida DUI Offender's Charges Upgraded to Vehicular Manslaughter

In Florida, a Sarasota man was recently arrested for driving intoxicated after he made a sharp turn and collided with a motorcyclist.  The motorcyclist, 19 year old Nikolas A. Reek, recently died in the hospital from the injuries he incurred during the DUI accident.  Now, DUI offender Adam J. Betancourt is facing both vehicular manslaughter and DUI charges.

Family members of Reek report that the young man died at 11:15 A.M. this past Thursday.  Reek had been on life support since the crash, which took place last Wednesday afternoon.

According to Florida High Patrol trooper, 43 year old Betancourt made a left turn in his Toyota Camry in front of Reek on U.S. 41.  The two vehicles crashed into one another and Reek was thrown off of his 2004 Suzuki motorcycle.

When troopers arrived at the scene of the accident, they found Betancourt nodding off in his car.  The FHP also reports that when they searched Betancourt's motor vehicle, they found 102 Oxycodone and 15 Hydromorphone.

Police arrested and charged Betancourt with DUI manslaughter, DUI serious bodily injury, two counts of DUI property damage, driving with a suspended causing death and no proof of insurance.  He also received a citation for making an illegal left turn.

Betancourt is currently being held in Manatee County jail without bail. 

If you have been charged with DUI in Florida, click here to find a skilled DUI defense lawyer!