FHP Trooper Seriously Injured in Crash with DUI Suspect

Suspect arrested and charged with DUI after registering BAC nearly twice the legal limit

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:29pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car headlight lens reflecting a faint red light, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of a collision between a police vehicle and a suspected drunk driver.The aftermath of a collision between a Florida Highway Patrol vehicle and a suspected drunk driver exposes the harsh realities of the dangers law enforcement face when assisting motorists on the side of the road.Sarasota Today

A Florida Highway Patrol trooper was seriously injured early Sunday morning after a crash involving a suspected impaired driver along Interstate 75 in Collier County. The trooper was assisting a disabled motorist when a northbound Toyota sedan struck the patrol vehicle, causing severe damage and injuring the trooper. The driver of the Toyota, identified as 32-year-old Jonathan Ronald Munas of Sarasota, was arrested at the scene and charged with DUI after registering a blood alcohol content of .159, nearly twice the legal limit.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing dangers that law enforcement officers face when assisting motorists on the side of the road, especially from impaired drivers. It also raises concerns about the prevalence of drunk driving and the need for continued education and enforcement efforts to combat this public safety issue.

The details

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the incident occurred around 3:18 a.m. on April 12 along northbound I-75 near mile marker 64. The FHP patrol vehicle was parked at an angle with its emergency blue lights activated, partially blocking the outside travel lane and shoulder. The trooper was standing on the paved shoulder assisting a disabled motorist when the northbound Toyota sedan approached and struck the left front side of the patrol vehicle. The impact was so severe that it tore off the Charger's left front tire and bumper, and debris from the crash then struck the trooper.

  • The incident occurred around 3:18 a.m. on April 12, 2026.

The players

Jonathan Ronald Munas

A 32-year-old resident of Sarasota, Florida, who was arrested and charged with DUI after the crash.

Florida Highway Patrol

The state law enforcement agency investigating the crash and assisting the injured trooper.

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What’s next

The crash remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol, and the trooper's current condition has not been released.

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical need for continued education and enforcement efforts to combat drunk driving, which puts both law enforcement and the public at risk. It also serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by officers who put their lives on the line to assist stranded motorists and maintain public safety on our roads.