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TV Manager Won't Be Charged In Car Crash

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By JOSH POLTILOVE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 15, 2008

TAMPA - The general manager of WFTS, Channel 28, who was arrested in September after police said he crashed into a woman's car and later grabbed her by the neck, won't be prosecuted, state attorney's office spokeswoman Pam Bondi said Friday.

Bondi said the woman, Ok Yi of Lutz, was adamant about not wanting to press charges. Bondi said Yi has reached an undisclosed civil settlement with the other driver, William G. Carey.

Also Friday, WFTS reported on its 6 p.m. newscast that Carey, the station's general manager, had resigned.

Police initially charged Carey with burglary with assault or battery and leaving the scene of a crash.

Yi told police she was driving on Memorial Highway when her Mercedes was rear-ended by a Ford Explorer. Yi followed the Ford for about a mile, honking her horn until Carey pulled over, Tampa police spokeswoman Andrea Davis said in September.

Carey approached Yi's car and handed her his driver's license through her car window. When Yi told Carey she wanted to call police, he reached through the window and tried to get his license back, Davis said.

Carey grabbed Yi's arms and tried to pull her through the window when he couldn't get his license, but he was unable to because Yi had her seatbelt on, Davis said.

"While speaking with the victim, the suspect became belligerent and grabbed the victim by the neck," the police report said.

Yi got out of the car and ran down Memorial Highway. Carey chased her, but quit and returned to her car, Davis said.

Yi's husband arrived and saw Carey rummaging through the Mercedes, Davis said. Carey then drove off in his Ford.

Questions to Channel 28 Friday about Carey, 50, were referred to a corporate office, which didn't immediately return a phone message.

Reporter Thomas W. Krause and News Channel 8 assignment editor John Strang contributed to this report. Reporter Josh Poltilove can be reached at jpoltilove @tampatrib.com or (813) 259-7691.

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