Early morning accidents land two in jail

Commander Barry Fox with the St. Augustine Police Department reported to Historic City News that this morning at approximately 1:45 a.m., officers responded to the report of a traffic accident at M. L. King Ave. at King St.

Upon arrival, officers found that a 2007 Toyota Truck had attempted to turn off of King St. traveling southbound on M. L. King Ave. The vehicle failed to make the turn and struck a power pole head on, snapping it at the base of the pole.

According to a witness, the driver, Jonathan Cook (22) Fort Pierce, Fl., exited his vehicle and got into a 2006 Toyota truck which he had been following. The Toyota truck fled south on M. L. King Ave.

Several minutes later, at approximately 2:05 am, officers responded to a second report of a traffic accident at Weeden St. and Bridge St., approximately 5 blocks from the initial accident scene.

Upon arrival, officers found that a 2006 Toyota truck had attempted to turn southbound on Weeden St., left the roadway and struck an air conditioner unit located next to a building.

Officers found that the truck was occupied by Sean Gronquist (23) St. Augustine, Fl. and Jonathan Cook.

Both individuals were arrested after the investigation. Cook has been charged with DUI and Leaving the Scene of an Accident. Cook’s vehicle suffered approximately $5000.00 damage and damage to the power pole is listed at approximately $10000.00.

Gronquist has been charged with DUI and Careless Driving. Gronquist’s vehicle suffered approximately $4500.00 damage and damage to the air conditioning unit is listed at approximately $6000.00.

Florida Power and Light advised that services were lost for the entire Lincolnville neighborhood. FPL is currently working on restoring power to those in the effected area.

Both Cook and Gronquist were arrested and transported to the St. Johns County Detention Facility.