Man faces multiple charges in deadly Alligator Alley crash

Reporter: Taylor Smith Writer: Derrick Shaw
Published: Updated:
Credit: WINK News.

Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a deadly three-vehicle crash with serious injuries on northbound Alligator Alley in Collier County Thursday.

Three people were injured, with two taken to the hospital as trauma alerts. FHP confirmed Thursday night a 47-year-old woman died from her injuries after being taken to the hospital.

Amari Jones, 20. Credit: Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

FHP confirmed Friday 20-year-old Amari Jones, who was accused of driving the vehicle that caused the crash, is now facing criminal charges. According to the update, the suspect was arrested and faces charges for no driver’s license (involving serious injury), reckless driving, fleeing/eluding and possession of burglary tools. Additional charges are still pending.

Greater Naples Fire Rescue District also responded to the crash on the Alley near mile marker 97, just east of Collier Boulevard.

FHP said they had been watching one of the drivers to determine whether he was involved in another crash earlier in the day, about 10 miles away. Troopers say the driver in that crash was arrested and believe that suspect knows the person who was in a vehicle involved in the Alley crash, and it’s under investigation.

Credit: Florida Department of Transportation.

FHP said Jones, of Oakland Park, Florida was driving a black car that crossed the median into oncoming traffic, crashing into a Jeep towing a boat that was driven by a 49-year-old man with a 47-year-old female passenger, both from Cape Coral.

Jones suffered serious injuries, the 49-year-old man with serious injuries, and the 47-year-old woman, as confirmed, died of critical injuries.

Debris from the crash caused a third vehicle, an SUV with a driver and passenger, to also crash, and they were ultimately uninjured.

There were two people who were considered trauma alerts who’ve been taken to the hospital for treatment. One of those individuals was ejected from their vehicle in the crash.

One of the vehicles involved landed on the side of the guardrail on the interstate.

The crash has been cleared and remains under investigation, with charges pending.

Clarification: Greater Naples Fire Rescue initially reported the crash was related to a law enforcement pursuit. FHP later clarified it was not considered a pursuit.

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