On November 22, 2022, troopers from the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) made an arrest in a crash that occurred at approximately 9 a.m. on Saturday, February 19, 2022. That Palm Harbor crash killed two victims.
Based on preliminary information released by FHP in February, a 32 male driver from New Port Richey was operating a 2017 Hyundai Accent northbound on Bentley Drive, stopped at a stop sign at the intersection of Alderman Road.
A teen, now identified as 19 year-old Chase Cannone, was operating a 2011 Ford Mustang and traveling eastbound at high speed on Alderman Road. The driver of the Hyundai turned left into the path of the Mustang. The collision resulted with the front of the Mustang colliding with the left side of the Hyundai. The vehicle then collided with a pedestrian traffic signal and a tree.
Both the 32 year-old driver of the Hyundai and his 30 year-old female passenger died at the scene.
Cannone, age 18 at the time, was transported to Bayfront Health with serious injuries.
On Tuesday, November 22, 2022, Cannone was booked into the Pinellas County Jail on charges of Vehicular Homicide and DUI Manslaughter.
Troopers were able to obtain an event data report from the Mustang that indicated a speed of 90.7 miles per hour one-half second prior to impact. The crash occurred in a 35 mile per hour zone.
According to the arrest affidavit, Cannone advised the trooper that he smoked a blunt/marijuana at approximately 6 a.m. that morning. A distinct odor of burnt marijuana was detected within the Mustang, according to the trooper. The results of Cannone’s toxicology report indicated a positive result for THC.
Cannone has been cited previously for traveling well over the posted speed limit. On October 15, 2021, Cannone was cited for traveling 92 miles per hour in a 45 mile per hour zone. On August 2, 2021, Cannone was cited for traveling 53 miles per hour in a 35 mile per hour zone.