Trial begins for former BSO deputy accused in fatal crash

Frank McCurrie charged with vehicular homicide in 2010 crash

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The trial has begun for a former Broward Sheriff's Office deputy involved in a crash that killed a 14-year-old girl in Oakland Park in January 2010.

Frank McCurrie was charged with vehicular homicide after investigators said his squad car hit a black Honda in Oakland Park on Jan. 23, 2010, killing 14-year-old Cara Catlin.

Detectives said McCurrie was driving his squad car at more than twice the legal speed limit at the time of the crash on North Dixie Highway and Northeast 56th Street in Oakland Park. Catlin was ejected from the car she was in and killed.

On Tuesday, the first BSO deputy to arrive at the scene that night testified.

"She was screaming; she was screaming, 'Where is my sister?'" the deputy said.

The deputy was referring to Catlin's older stepsister, Heather Meyer, who was driving the car they were in. Their friend Gabriel Alegria was also in the car with them.

"I actually saw the impact of the police car hit the vehicle that was making a left hand turn," the deputy said.

Another witness, George Schmitt, took the stand, saying he slowed down the moment the crash happened. He said the impact was so intense, the Honda was cut in half.

"One victim was underneath the vehicle that was getting ready to turn, (and) the other victim was lying on the road," Schmitt said.

Schmitt said he also saw McCurrie run toward the crash site holding his right arm. He said McCurrie's patrol car did not have sirens or flashing lights activated.

Detectives said McCurrie was an employee of BSO for just over a year and was still in his probationary period with the agency.

He was fired from the department after the crash.

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Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.