PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. – The Florida Highway Patrol held a news conference Friday to discuss the line of duty death of Trooper Zachary Fink, 26, who was killed Friday morning while trying to detain a fleeing suspect.
Authorities confirmed that Fink’s patrol car collided with an 18-wheeler around 3 a.m. along Interstate 95 near Crosstown Parkway in Port St. Lucie.
According to Gov. Ron DeSantis, Fink was killed while attempting to detain a felon who was fleeing from authorities.
Our hearts go out to the family of FHP Trooper Zachary Fink, who was killed in the line of duty while attempting to detain a fleeing felon in St. Lucie County.@CaseyDeSantis and I are praying for the Fink family and the entire FHP community. pic.twitter.com/iWYuKqrkZF
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) February 2, 2024
According to authorities, Fink was pursuing the suspect when the suspect made an illegal U-turn, driving against traffic on the highway.
Authorities said Fink followed after the suspect, driving into the immediate path of a semi-truck as he made the U-turn.
The truck driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Fink was initially taken to a hospital in critical condition, but he eventually succumbed to his injuries.
Authorities confirmed that other troopers continued chasing after the suspect, who eventually crashed his vehicle and fled on foot. He was eventually taken into custody after a manhunt.
His identity has not yet been released.
The crash shut down miles of the highway for hours, but all lanes have since reopened.
Authorities confirmed that Fink has worked for the FHP for three years. He is survived by his father, stepmother and fiancée.
Dozens of law enforcement officers lined up as the American flag draped over the casket carrying Fink’s body as it was removed from the ambulance.
Friday’s news conference was held at the Christ Fellowship Church in Port St. Lucie.
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