Sarasota Man Charged with DUI After Striking FHP Trooper on I-75

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A 32-year-old man from Sarasota was arrested and charged with DUI after his Toyota sedan struck a Florida Highway Patrol trooper's vehicle on Interstate 75 in Collier County early Sunday morning. The trooper was seriously injured in the collision, which occurred while the officer was assisting a disabled motorist on the highway shoulder.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing dangers faced by law enforcement officers conducting roadside operations, as well as the serious consequences of impaired driving. The crash raises concerns about safety protocols and enforcement efforts to prevent such incidents on Florida's major highways.

The details

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 3 a.m. at mile marker 64 on northbound I-75, also known as Alligator Alley. The trooper's Dodge Charger patrol vehicle was parked at an angle on the shoulder with emergency lights activated as the officer provided assistance to a disabled motorist. Authorities say the 32-year-old Sarasota man, identified as Jonathan Ronald Munas, was driving his Toyota sedan in the outside lane when he struck the front left side of the patrol car. The impact was severe enough to tear off the patrol vehicle's left front tire and bumper. Debris from the collision struck the trooper, who was standing outside the car at the time. Munas was arrested at the scene, with a reported blood alcohol content of 0.159 - nearly twice the legal limit in Florida.

• The crash occurred around 3 a.m. on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
• The trooper was providing roadside assistance at the time of the incident.

What’s next

Authorities have not released additional details regarding potential charges beyond DUI or whether speed or additional factors contributed to the collision. The trooper's current condition remains unknown.