Alcohol suspected factor in Racy Point crash

At about 11:30 p.m. last night, Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Neil P Mariotti informed local Historic City News reporters in St Augustine that two occupants of a 2006 Nissan Maxima flipped and crashed on CR-13; sending both to area hospitals.

The driver of the vehicle, 62 year-old Ronald C. Caruso, and his passenger, 55 year-old Tracey Ann Roof, both of whom reside on Newpark Court St Augustine, were wearing their seatbelts; however, Trooper Mariotti reported that charges are pending against the driver, pending the results of a blood test.

Caruso and Roof were traveling south on CR-13 near Racy Point at a high rate of speed, according to the crash report.

While in a curve north of Hickory Lane, Caruso lost control and drove onto the west shoulder of the road.

Mariotti reported that the Nissan overturned once, came to rest on its wheels and then Caruso continued to drive forward until he struck an oak tree; causing about $ 5000 in damage to his vehicle.

Emergency medical personnel stabilized the victims; Caruso was transported to Flagler Hospital and Roof was transported to Orange Park Medical Center — each in serious condition.