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Man charged with DUI manslaughter in connection with deadly crash in St. Johns County

Phillip Barry, 49, was charged with DUI manslaughter and other charges in connection with a deadly crash that happened in St. Johns County in early January. (Copyright 2024 by WJXT News4JAX - All rights reserved.)

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – A 49-year-old man was arrested and charged with DUI manslaughter in connection with a deadly crash that happened in January in St. Johns County, according to the sheriff’s office.

Deputies said on Jan. 2, the dispatcher received several 911 calls reporting a blue Ford Raptor “driving recklessly” on St. Johns Parkway.

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As deputies were trying to catch up to the driver, identified as Phillip Barry, they saw the car swerve and strike curbs, according to SJCSO.

Then, Barry ran a red light and collided with a white Tesla at the intersection of St. Johns Parkway and Silverlake Drive, deputies said.

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The driver of the Tesla was killed in the crash. Barry suffered minor injuries and showed signs of impairment, deputies said.

After investigating and analyzing the toxicology report, deputies found Barry was under the influence of “numerous controlled substances,” according to deputies.

Barry was arrested seven months later, on Aug. 2, and charged with DUI, DUI manslaughter, DUI property damage, vehicular homicide and reckless driving.


About the Author

Marcela joined News4JAX in 2023. She grew up in Mexico and eventually moved to California to pursue her dream of becoming a journalist. Now, she is a proud San Diego State University alumna who has many years of experience in TV and digital journalism.

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