PORT ST. LUCIE, Florida – A tragic incident has led to the arrest of 30-year-old Michael Anthony Addison of Lauderdale by The Sea after the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s office charged him with multiple felonies in connection with the deaths of FHP Trooper Zachary Fink and the driver of a semi-truck. The fatalities occurred when Addison attempted to evade multiple lawful traffic stops by various law enforcement agencies.
St. Lucie County Sheriff Keith Pearson expressed his disappointment, stating that the tragedy could have been prevented if Addison had complied with law enforcement. He also emphasized the joint efforts of law enforcement in holding Addison accountable for his actions.
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Executive Director Dave Kerner also weighed in, making a commitment to ensuring the defendant is fully accountable for the lives he took and the pain he caused. Additionally, FHP Colonel Gary Howze II expressed the magnitude of the loss caused by Addison’s reckless decisions, and emphasized the personal cost to the families and loved ones of the victims.
Upon his arrest, investigators utilized the handcuffs belonging to Trooper Fink to secure Addison as he was escorted to jail. Addison was booked into St. Lucie County Jail without bond on multiple charges including fleeing to elude police with lights and sirens activated, as well as an out of county warrant from Broward County Sheriff’s Office for aggravated battery.
The investigation remains active as law enforcement continues to unravel the events leading to this tragic incident. The entire community has been left reeling from the loss of one of its selfless heroes, and the consequences of Addison’s actions will undoubtedly be far-reaching.
As the investigation unfolds, the authorities are working tirelessly to bring closure to the families of the victims and to ensure that justice is served. It is a reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers face every day and the lengths to which they will go to protect their communities.