CHIPLEY, Fla. — A 37-year-old man from Thonotosassa is facing multiple charges in the Panhandle after a crash that killed two power linemen.
- Three linesmen working to restire power struck by vehicle
- FHP: Driver of vehicle, John Goedtke of Thonotosassa, left the scene
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, John Roland Goedtke was driving a 1997 Ford F-150 pick up truck that struck three linesmen on State Road 77 near Chipley in Washington County.
The linesmen were working to restore power in the Hurricane Michael-batered Panhandle.
Troopers said after the 7 p.m. crash, Goedtke ran off from the scene. He was located and detained a short time later by Washington County Sheriff's Office deputies.
The linesmen have been identified as James Ussery, 60, in the area repairing lines with West Florida Electric and Geroge Cecil, 52, from North Carolina, and 22-year-old Ryan Barrett of North Carolina.
Records show Goedtke has been arrested more than two dozen times in Hillsborough County, most recently for grand theft and fraud.
Goedtke is facing vehicular homicide and DUI manslaughter charges in the hit-and-run crash.