Florida man killed when dog jumps into van, steps on accelerator and runs him over

By: Associated Press
CANTONMENT, Fla. (AP) -- Authorities say a man has died after a dog jumped into a vehicle, pushed the accelerator and struck him as he opened a gate outside a Florida Panhandle home.

The Florida Highway Patrol says 56-year-old Iris Fortner and 68-year-old James Campbell were returning to their home in Cantonment on Monday when Campbell got out of the passenger side of the vehicle to open the metal gates.

The Pensacola News Journal ( http://on.pnj.com/W6cGSn ) reports Fortner opened the driver's door to see where Campbell was standing. That's when Fortner's large boxer bull dog jumped into the car and pressed the accelerator.

FHP says Fortner tried to stop before the vehicle backed into Campbell. He was trapped under the van and pronounced dead by Escambia County paramedics.

Fortner has not been charged.