Amazing Video: Dog Survives DUI Crash, Swims Half-Mile To Kayaker
Jan 11, 2012 2 Comments ›› Pat Dollard
SARASOTA, Fla. (CBS TAMPA) – A man fishing from his kayak a half-mile from Point of Rocks off Sarasota was shocked when a dog that was involved in a deadly DUI crash swam up to his boat terrified.
Once pulled to safety, Barney shrunk into a corner of the small craft, shaking and traumatized over the event. He sustained minor injuries, including one to his paw and several cuts.
The man brought Barney to a local vet, who used a tracking chip implanted in him to discover his owner was Donna L. Chen, who was struck by a Nissan Altima and died moments before.
Florida Highway Patrol said Blake Talman, 22, was fleeing from an earlier crash in his Nissan Altima northbound on SR-758 when he struck Chen and Barney.
The two were jogging north on SR-758 when Talman allegedly failed to navigate a left curve causing him to leave the roadway and strike a metal pole before hitting Chen and a street sign. Chen was knocked from the sidewalk into the center of the road, reports indicate.
Barney took off, though there is no mention of him in the report.
Talman struck several yellow wooden poles at the entrance to the St. Michael’s Archangel Catholic Church then collided with the front right corner of a Ford Escort, veered left and hit another telephone pole.
Talman and a 24-year-old passenger were transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital where they were treated for serious injuries. Talman was released Sunday and transported to Sarasota County Jail where his bail was set at $100,000.
Talman faces charges including DUI manslaughter and DUI property damage and personal injury.
