TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Police are investigating a DUI crash that killed a jogger on Bayshore Boulevard in Tampa.
The fatal crash happened around 11:13 a.m. on Thursday near the intersection of W. Julia Avenue.
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According to Tampa Police, the driver of a Pinch A Penny truck, later identified as 31-year-old Benjamin Ehas, veered off Bayshore Boulevard and struck 70-year-old George Gage III.
RELATED: Truck driver in deadly Bayshore Blvd. crash drew BAC of 0.234, TPD says
The impact caused Gage to fall over the concrete barrier and into the Bay.
A test of Ehas' blood at the hospital drew a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.234, TPD said. He was charged with vehicular homicide and DUI manslaughter.
Ehas is currently being held without bond.
During a news conference, Tampa Police said two Good Samaritans jumped over the barrier to pull Gage out of the water before Fire Rescue crews arrived.
Christopher Martinez, one of the witnesses, said the truck drove erratically before hitting the Bayshore sidewalk wall and Gage. Martinez said he tried to rescue Gage after he was knocked into the water.
"I don't know how anyone survives that," said Martinez.
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Gage was rushed to a nearby hospital, but was later pronounced dead.
TPD said speed may have been a factor in the crash.
A large portion of the concrete barrier was damaged from the crash impact.
Pinch A Penny released the following statement:
"Pinch A Penny is shocked and saddened by the tragic incident that occurred this morning involving an employee of a franchised location in Tampa. An investigation is currently underway and the local franchisee is fully cooperating with authorities. We send our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of those involved."
