TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

2 Die In Bradenton When SUV Plows Into Pond

RUGENE MOORE / News Channel 8

Two men died when an SUV crashed through a fence and plunged into a retention pond late Wednesday night.

ADVERTISEMENT

By Chip Osowski of News Channel 8

Published: November 1, 2007

Updated: 11/01/2007 09:13 am

Video Report From The Crash Scene

BRADENTON – The Florida Highway Patrol has identified the two Bradenton men killed Halloween night when a sport utility vehicle they were in crashed into a retention pond.

Johnnie Schoolfield, 25, of 1020 Seventh St. E., and Theodore Devon Thomas, 22, of 1001 Eighth St. E., both died in the 2007 Hyundai.

Four people were in the SUV when it crashed into a metal pole on 11th Street Court East, went through a chain-link fence and then plowed into the pond about 11:30 p.m.

Two women escaped the submerged vehicle. Schoolfield and Thomas did not. One was found floating in the pond; the other was in the SUV, authorities said.

Witnesses told investigators they saw the SUV traveling at high speed, with the lights flashing off at least once.

Troopers are still searching for the two female survivors.

A medic saw two women in wet clothing walking north on 11th Street Court East, away from the scene of the crash, according to a Manatee County public safety spokesman.

Investigators have not determined who was driving.

Anyone with information should call (941) 751-7647, Ext. 131.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT