PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — A 30-year-old Lauderdale by the Sea man is facing several charges in connection to the deaths of a 26-year-old Florida Highway Patrol trooper and truck driver killed Friday morning during a pursuit on Interstate 95 in St. Lucie County.
Michael Addison was booked at the St. Lucie County Jail at 9:21 p.m. Friday and made his first appearance Saturday morning during a 4 1/2-minute hearing in Port St. Lucie via Zoom.
Addison is accused of fleeing from Trooper Zachary Fink, resulting in his death.
The Martin County Sheriff's Office noted on Facebook that when Addison was escorted to jail, investigators secured him using the handcuffs belonging to the trooper.
The St. Lucie County Jail lists 12 charges.
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"We intend to hold the defendant fully accountable for the lives he's taken and the immeasurable pain he has caused," Dave Kerner, the executive director of Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, said in a news release. "The Florida Highway Patrol, as well as the loved ones and friends of both Trooper Fink and the driver of the semi-truck, acknowledge that this is not the end of the loss suffered.
"Trooper Fink gave his life to hold the defendant accountable and keeping our community safe from harm, and we will work to ensure Trooper Fink's intent is accomplished," added Kerner, who is the former mayor of Palm Beach County.
He is facing charges from three agencies.
The FHP charges are two counts of vehicular homicide, two counts of felony homicide, two counts of murder during the commission of a felony, driving without a license causing death or serious injury, aggravated fleeing to elude with serious injury or death and felony homicide.
The St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office charge is fleeing to elude police with lights and sirens activated.
"All law enforcement put their lives on the line every day to protect our residents," St. Lucie County Sheriff Keith Pearson said. "This tragedy could have been prevented if Michael Addison followed the rule of law and complied with law enforcement. Thanks to the combined efforts of law enforcement, he will be held accountable for his actions."
Two charges are linked to out-of-county warrants for aggravated assault and felon in possession of a firearm in Broward County.
Charles "Tony" Schwab, chief judge of the 19th Judicial Circuit, held him without bond on all but three counts and said a public defender would initially represent him.
No arrest report was available yet.
"Yesterday was a day of tragedy," FHP Col. Gary Howze said in a news release. "It is impossible to summarize the feeling of loss felt due to the reckless decisions of one individual with a complete disregard for the safety of others. This criminal chose his actions that took two people from their families and loved ones. He cost Florida one of its finest selfless heroes in Trooper Fink. With his arrest, this repeat criminal will not escape the consequences of his actions and will be held accountable."
Port St Lucie
Neighbors say fallen trooper was 'wonderfully warm and friendly'
Howze said Fink, a three-year veteran of the agency, was pursuing a person who was driving a white Kia in a "reckless manner" and speeding on I-95 just before 3 a.m.
Just south of Crosstown Parkway, the Kia attempted to make a U-turn to drive north in the southbound lanes to escape the pursuit.
Howze said the driver took off on foot, triggering a massive, multi-agency manhunt.
He said the driver of the semi in the I-95 crash died at the scene, while Fink was flown to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The truck driver has not been identified.
The trooper's mother, Heather Yokie-Fink, issued a statement to WPTV:
"First and foremost we would like to thank FHP and all of the outpouring and condolences that we’ve received from our community, friends, and neighbors. Zachary was an awesome man. He genuinely cared for people in general and animals. He had a big heart and big personality. His humor was top notch and he was fluent in the art of sarcasm, lol. He loved the beach and the outdoors. He loved being active, playing sports, especially football, surfing and skim-boarding, but mostly he enjoyed fishing.
We would like to relay to the community how much the family appreciates the outpour of love and care. It still doesn't feel real."
She said younger brother Joshua Fink, a sergeant in the U.S. Army stationed at Fort Campbell in Kentucky, will be taking his leave to come home when the services are announced.
He was engaged to his high school sweetheart Amanda.
Fink was raised in Lake Worth and Palm Springs, attending Highland Elementary School, Kirkland Elementary and Jefferson Davis Middle before moving with his father Robert Fink to Port St. Lucie, where he spent his teenage years.