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Former Firefighter Accused Of Fleeing Crash Scene

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By MICHAEL SCARCELLA

Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Published: June 1, 2008

BRADENTON — A former firefighter who was acquitted in 2004 on charges of leaving the scene of a fatal crash was arrested Saturday in a hit-and-run crash that authorities say is alcohol-related.

Robert K. Briesacher, now a McDonald's manager, reportedly crashed Saturday evening on State Road 70. Sheriff's deputies caught up to him and arrested him.

Briesacher, who turns 36 this week, had a strong odor of alcohol on his breath and he mumbled when he spoke. His eyes were also bloodshot, sheriff's deputies said.

Jurors acquitted Briesacher in 2004 on a charge that he struck and killed a pedestrian, William Mathers, 49, on Morgan Johnson Road in 2002.

Briesacher, who was driving home at night, told troopers he heard a noise but did not stop. Briesacher said he had been drinking but was not impaired. He said he thought he may have hit a mailbox.

Briesacher, who has a history of careless driving, resigned from his job as a lieutenant with East Manatee Fire Rescue after the fatal crash.

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