PORT ST. LUCIE (Florida) — According to records and a prosecutor, a man who was arrested for DUI manslaughter after an April incident involving a golf cart police claimed he drove, is no longer criminally liable.
According to police records, John Scott Hehr (53), was taken into custody in Spring, Texas on April 27th.
Hehr was driving a cart golf course and Christopher Edward Cipra (34), a passenger, fell off the cart and died.
Hehr was charged with felony DUI manslaughter, but Spencer Scott, Assistant State Attorney, said that he had filed a misdemeanor DUI case.
According to police, three individuals were found “leaving the clubhouse in a cart and returning to a home in the community,” according to a release.
Police stated that the victim, who was standing behind the cart’s rear wheel, fell off the cart and hit the road when it went over the manhole cover.
Scott stated that Hehr was not reckless, did not swerve or jump curbs or do anything similar. Scott also pointed out that there was no physical evidence of Hehr colliding with another vehicle.
Scott stated that there is no evidence of an accident. “The victim fell from the golf cart’s back and was standing on its back,” Scott said.
Scott stated that prosecutors couldn’t prove beyond reasonable doubt that Hehr was responsible for the victim’s death by falling off the cart.
Scott stated, “I believe we can prove beyond any reasonable doubt that he drove under the influence.”
Scott stated that the three men on the cart were either work acquaintances or close friends.
Investigators noted that Hehr had a strong odor of alcohol and Hehr appeared to be struggling to keep his feet on the ground, according to records.
Police say Hehr’s eyes looked “slightly droopy” and that his eyes were bloodshot. Hehr declined to take part in field sobriety.
Hehr declined to provide a blood sample. However, police informed him that the state law permits one to be taken even if he is not present. He was then taken to Tradition Medical Center.
The Floridian is a exclusive community of golf in St. Lucie, Martin and surrounding counties. It can be found off Northwest Gilson Road at Southeast Becker Road. Since 2013, President Barack Obama has played there at least three more times.
According to a search warrant application Hehr and another passenger claimed they were playing golf while drinking beer and then met up at the clubhouse for dinner and more cocktails. According to the passenger, he purchased $170 worth of tequila shots and shared it with 17 friends for dinner.
Officials from St. Lucie County Fire District took Cipra to Tradition Medical Center, Port St. Lucie, where he was declared dead.
Will Greenlee, a news reporter for TCPalm (part of the USA Today Network), is currently covering breaking news. Follow Will @OffTheBeatTweet, or call him at 772-267-7926, E-mail him at will.greenlee@tcpalm.com
By: Will Greenlee
Title: No criminal charge for death in DUI golf cart incident at exclusive Florida golf club
Sourced From: golfweek.usatoday.com/2022/08/25/death-dui-golf-cart-incident-exclusive-florida-golf-club/
Published Date: Thu, 25 Aug 2022 13:36:48 +0000
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