Monday the Florida Highway Patrol charged Kris Caudilla, 26, of Jacksonville, with DUI manslaughter, Vehicular Homicide and DUI causing property damage in connection with the death of St. Johns County Sherriff’s Deputy James L. Anderson.
Anderson, a deputy that served within the Ponte Vedra Municipal Service District, died Jan.14 after being struck head-on in his patrol vehicle by a 2003 Honda Element driven by Caudilla that was traveling northbound in the southbound lane on 9A near Baymeadows.
A blood sample of Caudilla taken after the crash showed that Caudilla had a blood alcohol level of .158 — nearly twice the legal limit.
Due to injuries sustained in the crash, Caudilla remains hospitalized at Shands Jacksonville and will be transported to the Duval County Jail upon being discharged.
DUI Manslaughter and Vehicular homicide are second degree felonies and are punishable by up to 15 years in prison for each charge. DUI resulting in property damage is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison.
shanegriffis@pontevedrarecorder.com
(904)285-8831 ext. 31
