FORT PIERCE, Fla. – A Broward County man who led Florida Highway Patrol Trooper James Zachary Fink on a fatal chase is facing charges in the deaths of the trooper and a truck driver. The suspect, Michael Addison, 30, has a history of arrests in Broward County and is wanted on two warrants related to aggravated battery and weapons charges.
Court records show that Addison’s probation was revoked in May 2022 after an incident where he choked his ex-girlfriend and failed to pay fees related to his probation. Additionally, he was on probation for five years after a plea deal for identity theft and attempted debit card fraud. He also faced charges for stealing iPhones and assaulting a woman in separate incidents.
Addison’s criminal record also includes receiving probation for weapons charges and facing burglary and grand theft charges in Broward County. He has failed to pay fines related to these offenses and various traffic citations. Furthermore, court records indicate that he was evicted from an apartment in Broward County for owing about $2,000 in rent.
The motive for Addison’s actions leading to the fatal crash on Interstate 95 has not been publicly released. He is currently being held in custody without bond in Fort Pierce, and the arrest report has not been released by FHP or the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office. When reached for comment, the State Attorney’s Office for Broward County did not provide a statement.
The tragic incident has sparked discussions about the handling of repeat offenders and the effectiveness of the justice system in preventing further criminal behavior. It also raises questions about probation and eviction practices, and how they may contribute to the cycle of criminal activity. Law enforcement officials and legal experts are expected to weigh in on these issues in the coming days. Citizens have also expressed concerns about public safety and the need for stronger measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.