Clearwater woman arrested for DUI manslaughter after pedestrian killed in Madeira Beach crash: PCSO

Loading Video…

This browser does not support the Video element.

A Clearwater woman is facing a DUI manslaughter charge after investigators say she crashed into a 72-year-old man walking in a crosswalk in Maderia Beach Friday evening, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.

The backstory:

PCSO says the crash happened shortly after 9 p.m. near the intersection of 150th Avenue and Madeira Way.

According to investigators, Michael Arndt, 72, was in the crosswalk when he was hit by a Jeep driven by Vanessa Downs, 51.

MORE NEWS: Man killed, another critically injured in apparent self-defense shooting in St. Pete: Police

During the crash, Arndt fell under the Jeep. He was taken to the hospital, where he passed away, PCSO said.

Courtesy: Pinellas County Sheriff's Office

Investigators said Downs showed signs of impairment and performed poorly on field sobriety tests. 

Downs was arrested and booked on a DUI manslaughter charge. She was taken to the Pinellas County Jail.

PCSO said Arndt’s next of kin was contacted.

The Source: Information for this story was provided by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.

ClearwaterCrime and Public Safety