BSO Blames Driver for Fatal Accident with Deputy
Witnesses claim a BSO deputy was traveling at least 70 mph before the collision
BSO
After refusing to comment over the weekend about a deadly crash involving one of its own, the Broward Sheriff's Office has determined the driver of the other car advanced into oncoming traffic before the fatal collision.
Saturday night's accident took the life of 14-year-old Cara Catlin, who was riding in the Honda Civic that had its entire backside sawed off by an on coming BSO patrol car. Witnesses at the scene said the patrol car was traveling at a high speed before it hit the car. One man estimated the deputy's speed at 70 mph.
BSO officials said Monday the investigation is still ongoing to figure out who was at fault and how fast each car was going late Saturday night in Oakland Park.
But that didn't stop officials from pointing the first finger at Catlin's stepsister, 21-year-old Heather Meyer. Traveling into oncoming traffic, even with a green light, is illegal.
"I can't imagine the devastating loss that this family is facing," BSO spokeswoman Dani Moschella. "This is a horrible tragedy no matter what the investigation reveals. My condolences go out to the family."
Monday's announcement could likely anger an already emotional group of family and friends, who held a vigil Sunday to remember Catlin. She was a freshman at Northeast High School.
Deputy Frank McCurrie was driving the patrol car and was treated for minor injuries after the crash. Witnesses and BSO said he was not traveling with his emergency lights on. McCurrie, who was hired last year, was on his way to back up another deputy at a traffic stop.
Records show he was cited for speeding once in 2006.
Posted Monday, Jan 25, 2010 - 4:17 PM EST
