Fleeing driver located and arrested after crash

Lieutenant Bill Leeper informed Historic City News local reporters that a man who fled the scene of a serious three-car collision on SR-13 last night has been identified, located, arrested and is now in custody — facing multiple criminal charges.

According to Trooper Karen M. Howard’s report, 24 year-old Darrell Steven Muir who resides at 841 Crystal Spring Way in St. Augustine was traveling northbound on SR-13, south of Swamp Oak Trail, behind another vehicle operated by 47 year-old Jacksonville resident, Deborah H. Ferrell and occupied by two other passengers.

Muir reportedly pulled out to pass Ferrell on the two lane road — in the direct path of an oncoming southbound 1992 Pontiac 2-door; driven by a 17 year-old St. Johns resident and occupied by another 16 year-old passenger.

Muir struck the teenager’s vehicle then veered to the right — striking Ferrell’s vehicle and sending it off the roadway and onto the shoulder where it struck a large tree and became engulfed in flames. When Fire Rescue personnel arrived, Ferrell and her two passengers were transported by Life Flight to Shands Hospital Jacksonville in critical condition.

During the collision, Muir left the roadway onto the northbound shoulder then re-entered the roadway crossing all travel lanes. He left the roadway onto the southbound shoulder while spinning counter-clockwise. Muir’s vehicle overturned one time, then came to rest, upright, wedged between the tree line and a utility pole.

Muir fled the scene on foot into the woodline just past the collision. Attempts to locate Muir by an SJSO K-9 unit and helicopter were unsucessful, however, Muir was located walking near the crash scene at 7:00 a.m. this morning.

Charges against Muir include Driving while license suspended, (2) counts of Driving while license suspended -accident involving serious bodily injury, Leaving the scene of an accident, (2) counts of Leaving the scene – accident involving serious bodily injury, Failed to report accident, Failed to render aid, Opened container – driver, Improper passing.

St. Johns County Sheriff’s deputies have also charged Muir with vehicle theft.