Driver arrested by cops in five-car crash in Sarasota, victim identified

The driver who allegedly ran a red light and caused a five-car crash in Sarasota was arrested by the Florida Highway Patrol, troopers said. The accident left one person dead and seven people injured, including a two-year-old girl.

According to a Florida Highway Patrol accident report, Aramis Harrison, 38, of Bradenton was arrested April 30 after failing to stop at a red light in the right turn lane of US-301 north of Northgate Boulevard. At the time of the April 23 crash, Harrison had multiple warrants out for his arrest.

At 1:43 p.m., Harrison failed to stop at the red light, and at the time of impact, an electronic data recorder reported the car was traveling at 96 to 100 mph in a 50 mph zone, investigators said. The front end of the Nissan Rogue Harrison collided with an SUV that entered the intersection.

As of May 4, there have been 6,821 accidents in Sarasota County. This included 58 dead and 4,026 injured. In Manatee County, there were 6,420 crashes resulting in 72 deaths and 4,613 injuries, according to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Crash Dashboard.

In case you missed it:Car failed to stop at red light, 1 person killed, 7 injured in 5-car crash in Sarasota, cops say

Minutes before the accident, Harrison fled from Bradenton police officers. Officers tracked the car he was driving using a cell phone ping to identify a suspect in the alleged shooting. After the car was stopped, Harrison switched gears with the woman who was initially driving and drove off.

Due to department policy, no pursuit was initiated after Harrison fled, and the red Nissan Rouge was seen driving recklessly without police pursuing him. A witness told investigators that the Nissan Rogue even ran a stoplight near DeSoto Road, investigators allege in an arrest report.

More:Sarasota officers catch man in fatal pedestrian crash, second hit-and-run arrest in week

Bradenton Police Public Information Officer Meredith Censullo said the traffic stop was conducted north of the Sarasota-Manatee County line. The officers did not follow the car into Sarasota County because they only conduct police chases within their own jurisdiction, Censullo said.

The SUV that Harrison collided with spun several times while the Nissan Rogue continued south at the intersection. The Nissan Rogue rolled over and its rear end collided with the front of another stopped SUV that was waiting in the left turn lane of US-301. The second SUV that was hit was thrown backwards and hit another car on the left front. The SUV originally involved in the accident collided with the rear of another car.

Harrison and the woman in the passenger seat were pulled from the overturned car and required surgery and intubation throughout the night of the accident.

The passenger in the SUV that was struck at the intersection was pronounced dead by Sarasota County EMS who arrived at the scene. Investigators later identified her as Carolyn A. Willis, 71, of Bradenton. She was just a month away from her 72nd birthday.

Her two-year-old great-granddaughter, who was in the car with her during the accident, suffered serious injuries but has since recovered. Willis is survived by two sons, a daughter, her sister and brother, eight grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Willis worked as a certified nursing assistant and retired 15 years ago. Paul Williams, Willis’ son, said she was one of the most loving and caring people. She enjoyed going to church and helping anyone who needed help. His mother has stood by him throughout his recovery from addiction as he now celebrates five years.

“She didn’t recognize the color or her situation,” Williams said. “If she could help you, she would help you. The world needs more people like her.”

Those seriously injured include: a 38-year-old man from Mississippi, a 39-year-old woman from Sarasota, a 30-year-old woman from Parrish, the 2-year-old woman from Bradenton, a 72-year-old woman from South Carolina; a woman from South Carolina, age not specified, and a man from South Carolina, age not specified.

When officers interviewed Harrison on April 26 for a separate investigation, he told officers he believed he was being followed by officers before the accident.

Harrison told officers he wanted to apologize to the family, and he admitted to officers that he was driving and was sorry for his actions, investigators’ arrest report said.

Williams said his mother would forgive Harrison; That was the kind of woman she was. She would want Harris to do something with his life, he added.

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