BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. — The Boynton Beach Police Department is mourning the loss of a 15-year veteran who died in a fiery single-car crash early Saturday morning.
Boynton Beach police said Officer Dennis Castro died in the crash that happened at around 4 a.m. along Northlake Boulevard, between Ibis Boulevard and North State Road 7.
At around 9:30 a.m. West Palm Beach and Boynton Beach police were still on scene.
RIGHT NOW: Officers from @WestPalmPD and @BBPD are escorting a medical examiner van after a crash that occurred around 4am this morning. @WPTV pic.twitter.com/b2gqkQGpKu
— Derek Lowe WPTV (@DerekLoweNews) December 10, 2022
"We are working a single-vehicle fatal crash with one occupant (the driver) at that location," said West Palm Beach Public Information Officer Mike Jachles.
West Palm Beach Police said the driver of a 2021 Dodge Durango was driving west on Northlake Boulevard near the shoppes at Ibis when, for unknown reasons, the SUV slammed into the center median, careened into a pole and burst into flames. The impact sheared the vehicle in half, ejecting the driver.
West Palm Beach Police did not identify the driver but the Boynton Beach Police Department announced Castro died in this crash.
The city of Boynton Beach announced Castro's passing on Saturday just before 12:30 p.m. and released the following statement:
It is with our deepest sympathy that the City of Boynton Beach announces the passing of Boynton Beach Police Officer Dennis Castro, a 15-year Distinguished Officer who was a member of the BBPD S.W.A.T. Team and served our country in the United States Marine Corps.
“As a former officer and detective at the Boynton Beach Police Department, I was honored to have served alongside Officer Castro for several years,” said Dugger. “He was loved and respected by many, and his loss will be felt by the entire Boynton Beach community. We offer our heartfelt condolences and prayers to his beloved family.”
Castro was a traffic homicide investigator and a member of the S.W.A.T. Team. and the DUI Task Force. Throughout his career he was honored numerous times and received numerous commendations for his exemplary service to the Boynton Beach community, according to the Boynton Beach Police Department.
“Today is my toughest day as chief of police,” Boynton Beach Police Chief Joe DeGiulio said. “Officer Castro’s service and commitment to the Boynton Beach Police Department and to the community we serve was truly remarkable. The entire Boynton Beach Police Department is honored to have served alongside Officer Castro, who was a friend and hero to all.”
Castro is survived by his wife and two children.