Suspect Accused of DUI After Serious Crash Shuts Down Fort Pierce Intersection

A serious two-vehicle crash in Fort Pierce late Saturday night left one person hospitalized and another facing multiple charges, including DUI with serious bodily injury. The incident occurred just before midnight at the intersection of Kings Highway and St. Lucie Boulevard, prompting a full closure of the area for several hours as authorities investigated the scene.

Crash Prompts Emergency Response and Road Closure

Deputies from the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office (SLCSO) responded swiftly to the collision, which happened in the late-night hours. Upon arrival, they discovered that the crash had caused significant injuries to one of the drivers involved. Emergency medical personnel attended to the injured individual, who sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The identity of the injured driver has not yet been released. Due to the severity of the crash and the ongoing investigation, SLCSO closed the intersection in all directions overnight. Officials worked to document the scene, collect evidence, and assess whether criminal charges were warranted in connection with the incident.

Driver Arrested and Faces Multiple Charges

The other driver involved, identified as 37-year-old Cruse John Richard, was determined to be impaired at the time of the crash. According to SLCSO deputies, Richard exhibited signs of intoxication and was medically evaluated before being taken into custody. After being cleared by medical professionals, he was booked into the St. Lucie County Jail on a range of serious charges.

The charges against Richard include:

• Driving under the influence with serious bodily injury

• Resisting an officer without violence

• Battery

• Simple assault

• Battery on an officer, firefighter, or EMT

These charges reflect both the initial DUI-related offense and Richard’s alleged behavior during and after his arrest. Law enforcement confirmed that he will be held without bond as the legal process continues.

Sheriff Condemns Reckless Behavior

In an official statement posted to the SLCSO’s Facebook page, Sheriff Richard Del Toro expressed strong condemnation of driving under the influence. “Driving under the influence is not only reckless—it’s dangerous and unacceptable,” Del Toro said. He emphasized the life-threatening consequences such actions can have, not just for the impaired driver but for innocent people on the road as well. Sheriff Del Toro’s comments highlight the broader public safety message that law enforcement continues to reinforce: impaired driving puts lives at risk and will not be tolerated.

Ongoing Investigation

The SLCSO confirmed that the investigation into the crash remains active. Further details may be released as more information becomes available and as investigators determine whether additional charges or findings are warranted. Authorities are expected to review surveillance footage, witness accounts, and toxicology reports as part of the case. As the community awaits updates, the crash serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of impaired driving and the importance of making responsible choices behind the wheel.