07-21-2009, 09:49 PM
BROOKSVILLE — Authorities arrested a 17-year-old Nature Coast High School student on third-degree murder charges for the wreck that killed Hernando County sheriff's Capt. Scott Bierwiler this year.
Andrew Frank Morris is also charged with grand theft for taking his mother's car the morning of the March 19 accident, according to an arrest warrant obtained by the Times.
His attorney, Robert Whittel of Spring Hill, confirmed the charges, calling the allegations "a bit of an overreach."
In the predawn darkness, the 42-year-old sheriff's captain was driving to work on Powell Road — about two hours before his shift was set to begin. But at 5:45 a.m., Bierwiler's unmarked unit, a dark-colored 1999 Ford Crown Victoria, collided head-on with an SUV driven by Morris, reports state. The crash occurred less than a mile from the school.
The violent impact woke up homeowners nearby and ripped open the driver's sides of both vehicles. Bierwiler died instantly, the Florida Highway Patrol said. Morris, of Weeki Wachee, was flown to St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa, where he received surgery and was later released.
Prosecutor Peter Magrino said today the charges speak for themselves. "After an exhaustive investigation there is sufficient evidence and testimony to sustain a conviction on appeal in this tragic set of circumstances that resulted in the tragic death of a career law enforcement officer," he said.
For more on this breaking story, check tampabay.com.
John Frank can be reached at jfrank@sptimes.com or (352) 754-6114.
Andrew Frank Morris is also charged with grand theft for taking his mother's car the morning of the March 19 accident, according to an arrest warrant obtained by the Times.
His attorney, Robert Whittel of Spring Hill, confirmed the charges, calling the allegations "a bit of an overreach."
In the predawn darkness, the 42-year-old sheriff's captain was driving to work on Powell Road — about two hours before his shift was set to begin. But at 5:45 a.m., Bierwiler's unmarked unit, a dark-colored 1999 Ford Crown Victoria, collided head-on with an SUV driven by Morris, reports state. The crash occurred less than a mile from the school.
The violent impact woke up homeowners nearby and ripped open the driver's sides of both vehicles. Bierwiler died instantly, the Florida Highway Patrol said. Morris, of Weeki Wachee, was flown to St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa, where he received surgery and was later released.
Prosecutor Peter Magrino said today the charges speak for themselves. "After an exhaustive investigation there is sufficient evidence and testimony to sustain a conviction on appeal in this tragic set of circumstances that resulted in the tragic death of a career law enforcement officer," he said.
For more on this breaking story, check tampabay.com.
John Frank can be reached at jfrank@sptimes.com or (352) 754-6114.