GA FF Charged with DUI in Engine Crash that Killed Co-Worker

Nov. 2, 2023
Ware County Firefighter Luke Zimmerman's blood alcohol level was nearly three times over the legal limit, tests showed.

A Ware County firefighter -- who police say had a blood alcohol level nealy three times over the legal limit -- has been charged with vehicular homicide for a fire engine crash that killed a colleague.

Luke Zimmerman, 26, faces charges of vehicular homicide, DUI, driving too fast for conditions and failing to maintain lanes, First Coast News reported.

He was behind the wheel of the fire engine in June when it veered off the road, hit a tree and overturned in a ditch. 

Ware County Firefighter Bobby 'Blue' Smith,, 24, was ejected and pinned under the rig. He was pronounced dead at the scene. 

As rescue personnel were trying to extricate Smith, Zimmerman reportedly told authorities he "may have taken the curve too fast causing him to lose control," according to a police report. 

He was taken to a hospital where he consented to have blood drawn. The results showed his blood alcohol level was .216, almost three times the legal limit.

He was arrested last week and spent three days in jail before being released on bail. 

 

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