Charlotte man sustains minor injuries after crashing into tree

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PUNTA GORDA, Fla. A 47-year-old man sustained minor injuries after falling asleep at the wheel and crashing into a tree on Saturday morning, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

Billy Gilcrest, of Arcadia, crashed at approximately 9:30 a.m. near State Road 31 and County Road 74, the FHP said.

Gilcrest was driving a 2003 Toyota Camry traveling northbound on State Road 31 when he fell asleep and drove into the southbound lane, the FHP said. Gilcrest drove though a grassy shoulder, crashed into a tree and then his car caught on fire.

Gilcrest was taken to Lee Memorial Hospital and was cited for careless driving, the FHP said.

 

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