Fort Myers Police employee killed in crash www.privateofficer.com
Crystal M. Ruiz, 25, of Fort Myers, was on her way to work as a community service aide when she was killed at the corner of Lee Boulevard and Westgate Boulevard.
She was attempting to turn left onto Lee Boulevard when another vehicle going straight hit the left side of her car. Ruiz’s car spun out onto the shoulder, according to a Florida Highway Patrol report.
The other car, driven by Richard Mauro Jr., 42 of Cape Coral, overturned onto its roof. Mauro was taken to Lee Memorial Hospital with minor injuries.
FHP is investigating whether Mauro was under the influence of alcohol.
The agency does not know who had right of way, as the color of the traffic signal at the time of the crash is unknown.
FHP responded to the scene just after noon.
Ruiz had worked at the Police Department as a community service aid since fall 2008.
Community service aides are full-time, paid members of police staff who respond to nonviolent calls such as traffic crashes.
“Our thoughts and prayers obviously immediately go out to her family. It’s got to be difficult,” Chief Doug Baker said.
“We’ll pull together, work together and help ourselves and help the family get through with our services.”
The death comes on the 8-year anniversary of the day Fort Myers Police Officer Daniel Starks was killed in a car crash while on duty.
Source:news-press.com
