FLORIDA – Two Florida men have been arrested in connection with a December 2022 head-on, hit-and-run crash resulting in three deaths, the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) said.
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According to the FHP, it has arrested Devin Joseph Perkins, 22, of New Smyrna Beach, and Thomas Clayton Petry, 54, of Orange City. Their arrests occurred following an extensive investigation of the December 2022 fatal crash, the FHP said.
Perkins is charged with three counts of vehicular homicide and one count of reckless driving with serious bodily injury.
Petry is charged with four counts of leaving the scene of a crash involving death or personal injuries, three counts of vehicular homicide, and one count of reckless driving with serious bodily injury.
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The investigation began on December 11, 2022, following the deadly crash.
Perkins, reportedly the driver of an Infiniti Q50, was allegedly found to be driving at speeds reaching 100 miles per hour. The FHP alleges he was under the influence of alcohol and THC at the time of the crash. His three passengers were pronounced deceased on the scene.
Petry, the driver of a Toyota Tacoma, was reportedly traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of travel on State Road 44, causing other motorists to pull off the roadway and flash their headlights to warn Petry that he was driving in the wrong direction.
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The FHP alleges that Petry was under the influence of alcohol. After the crash, Petry reportedly led on foot, failing to remain at the scene or render aid to his injured passenger or the other victims, who perished as a result of the crash.
Both individuals were arrested on Friday, April 7, 2022, and booked into the Volusia County Jail.
Further information regarding the arrest of Devin Joseph Perkins and Thomas Clayton Petry can be found in their arrest affidavits.
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