Florida Highway Patrol trooper killed in attempt to stop fleeing felon

Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Zachary Fink, 26, has been killed in a crash while trying to stop a fleeing felon on Interstate 95 in St. Lucie County.

[@RLRSHP]

You wana chase ppl on the highway you pay the price this world is dumb they believe this guy should be honored lmao

[@carlosmatias642]

My prayers to all families, please I'm a truck driver let's have some respect for the truck driver and the other gentleman that didn't do anything wrong to be in these situations

[@cindyr6509]

My husband was a truck driver as well for years, people will either follow the laws or they don't. But criminal just care about anyone else it's just about them. I know how many things happen on the road while driving, my heart does go out to all those who have died in this. But my son was also a sheriff deputy for some years, so I know what I've seen through the years on people and driving.

[@marshmallow220]

The real victims here are the truck driver and the man who colided with the debris. The troopers actions we're just as criminal as the person who he was chasing. The second that person started going the wrong way he should have called it off for public safety.

[@seantaft9281]

Exactly 💯

[@yorlenebuitrago7296]

👍

[@superdave77]

Amen

[@SHIBAINU2Moon]

FHP is a very corrupt agency. Many of their Troopers openly lie in court with zero accountability and/or repercussions.

[@allenc5200]

Then every criminal will drive the wrong way to escape....

[@dejathompson836]

Rip driver… 🕊️🚛

[@myselfme9013]

Hire better drivers. Cops do not get to violate the law just because they have badges. See cops all the time speeding, not using turn signs, and cutting people off.

[@hectorfernandez-in4ts]

RIP Trucker

[@user-mb8qi3ky5q]

Virtue signaling Trooper, trooper, trooper. The trooper killed the truck driver and another driver with his vehicle and piss poor training.

[@todayslist37737]

So sad to see a procession for a reckless driver who caused deaths. How many videos must we see of officers not looking before moving into traffic!

[@Ontiming2023]

If he’s whyte he most likely is a racist so he wasn’t a good person

[@cindyr6509]

It's funny how we say just call it off, we'll if he hit someone going the wrong way and they wasn't following him and he killed them , then everyone would be saying why didn't they stop him. It's easy to make quick judgements until it happens to you. Its a Very Stressful Job, and thankless most times. If you know so much why don't you try going through the academy and let's see what you got! R I P to all that lost their lives, may God have mercy on their lived ones.

[@ErickaJ954]

I agree very easy to say what we would've done sitting behind a screen. I just wish there were better laws or regulations in place. When this happens I think they should dispatch helicopters immediately instead of weaving through traffic to keep tab on the driver

[@ihyatemerica5931]

Common sense is unless you see a r@pe or murd3r …dont go reverse down a highway lmao

[@cynthiamgrooms8195]

@@ErickaJ954-That would certainly be safer in Many situations, but not all. As far as I know, the majority of the chases we see via helicopter, are from news agencies after a story, & other reasons. Police Departments in big cities probably all have helicopters, or at least access to State Troopers’ helicopters, but then you have midair collisions to deal with, or other factors that bring down helicopters, killing all on board more often than Any survivors, as well as people on the ground. There’s Also the issue of having to buy helicopters for basically Every County, as well as having several trained helicopter pilots in All those counties, along with copilots, & most likely a 3rd person every time, to be the spotter & video recorder/cameraman!!! I’ve seen some new gear & techniques, that are just beginning to be rolled out, including one that’s attached to the front of their vehicles, that shoots out “strapping”(don’t know the technical term!), that grabs a tire, & pretty quickly stops the vehicle, but That has some obvious safety issues too. As far as THE Best approach, Not Just IMO, would be automatic Minimum of 5-10 years in prison For just the charge of fleeing, with ZERO plea deals, ZERO wiping off/deletion of the charge, & Judges Having to sentence ALL of those years, WITHOUT ANY CHANCE OF EARLY PAROLE EITHER!!! Of Course the “Blue States” need to rehire the officers they booted, get Civilians in from the jury pool & tighten auditing of DA offices & the police, with means to correct issues & refer for prosecution maybe from another county in the state, which would Have to be selected randomly, follow the Laws Already in place, add new ones, raise starting salaries, while keeping schedules annual raises, Remove the Mute button on body warn cameras, End these Corrupt Chiefs’ careers who purposely withhold body cam footage, & Last but Not The least-implement what Mayor Rudy Giuliani did in NYC, BC IT WORKED FOR CIVIL SOCIETY!!! We’ve got Millions of children(& adults),running around with stolen &/or Illegal guns that Have to be taken off them!!! We’ve got Illegal Invaders, & White Collar Organized Crimes, Gangs, & Wannabe Thugs, that ALL Have to be removed from our streets & even Our country!!! We’ve got out of control crimes being committed, & murders Every Day, with NO F’ing Witnesses, even for the Babies getting shot up in their homes & yards, so there’s No choice But to do it the Hard way. IF it’s Not done-WE ARE!!!🤬🤢🤮 🙏⚖️🙏🇺🇸🙏

[@marcgoff7881]

It could have been worse. The trooper could have killed a whole family enjoying a Florida vacation or one of your family members. Something tells me you probably wouldn’t be so understanding if it was your son, daughter, husband parents killed by this hero trooper.

[@jimmythagreek3944]

Sometimes we let our ego get in the way of logical reasoning. This is a prime example. As a result a FHP trooper is dead but also an innocent truck driver who was out doing his job. FHP troopers need better training. All he had to do is call for backup but instead he decided to engage in a pursuit on one of the busiest highways in America going in the opposite direction. Don’t get me wrong I feel empathy for the trooper but more for the truck driver who was the sacrificial lamb as a result of the troopers boneheaded actions.

[@rondodson5736]

Perhaps the trooper made a mistake but most here seem to be condemning him while he was trying to defend the public. His goal in life was to help the community and give back to them. I believe when LE takes their oath most have the same feeling of wanting to give back and help their communities. His death was also a tragic loss.

[@MrDucksBill]

And hitler wanted to serve germany. Whats your point

[@rondodson5736]

@@MrDucksBill My point is most police want to give back to their communities. Getting rich is not an agenda for most police as it is a low paying job. People who knew this man stated that was what he wanted to do, give back to his community. Obviously you know little about history. Hitler wanted to serve his own biased views as he hated Jews with a passion, not that he wanted to serve Germany.

[@davidscritchfieldds]

People are condemning him because his carelessness cost two people their lives. Obviously he didn't mean to get in an accident, but his carelessness directly caused 2 innocent deaths, as well as cost him his own life.

[@sinclair6978]

i think most people here are condeming the cop because they have this thing call empathy, so they probably feel terrible for the families that lost their love one just because a special olympics candidate wanted to play super hero. just guessing tho

[@lisapridmore9746]

My heart goes out to truck driver and the other driver. Bad choice on the cop! Praying for who all was involved.

[@thomashilliard3424]

RIP to the Truck Driver and everybody involved.

[@RLRSHP]

A truck driver died because of his wreckless decision and you ppl want to honor this demon

[@guitartalk6545]

Everbody saying their prayers an making the trooper out to be more important than the truck driver what about the truck driver that the trooper killed par for the cource

[@notthepolice1705]

❌So the suspect was driving recklessly…which in return LEOs drove recklessly…endangering everyone on the streets….sounds about right. They could have called it off, and got “their man” later, they had a tag, and description. This did not have to happen.

[@MsSteven120]

Neither did running from the police.

[@laurenurban3942]

I’m with you. The pursuit should have been called off and the suspect apprehended later. Look at all the carnage that was caused and nothing was gained from it, however, two people lost their life. Are these crazy pursuits worth risking the public’s safety over? What if that truck driver had his kids in the truck with him? This is reckless of LE.

[@IsaiahCervantes-kc1ti]

@@MsSteven120bootlicker

[@davemustaine6694]

​@laurenurban3942 now a florida highway patrol killed 4 kids doing a pit maneuver.

[@notthepolice1705]

⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠@@MsSteven120The Kia made a U turn, the Trooper tried to make a U turn, (which also put him going AGAINST TRAFFIC), and hit that Semi. That’s a Trooper issue. Then they left debris in the road after the accident, which in turn caused the death of someone else.

[@johnfish1194]

RIP Brother. thank you for your service and dedication.

[@eden20111]

WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE TRUCK DRIVER?? Literally no one seems to know.

[@bruceburch8301]

What a mess.😢

[@edithnogueira7899]

The trooper keeps pursuing even when he has to go against the traffic in I-95 and hit head on to a truck killing himself and the truck driver. How crazy is this. I hope the truck driver family sues the state of Florida and the police department.

[@Chubbman85]

I thought I was the only one wondering why the article is titled like this.

[@annv8695]

The reason why there is only a parade for the trooper it's because this is a death in the family for the police as you can clearly see from the emotional statements. Show some respect!!!! You have no idea what happened until the camera evidence is realised. Stop crucifying him because you feel that ALL policemen is automatically the bad person. They are NOT as most policemen are doing their the job honourably which is never reported.

[@drewjenn9819]

Police officers aren't volunteers. They are paid do their job. Every time an officer makes a legal arrest, he's doing his job honorably. Whenever he issues a citation, he is doing his job honorably. So what's there to report? You hear of Police officers making arrests routinely. That's a report. Are you constantly reaping praise for performing the duties you were hired for?

[@annv8695]

@drewjenn9819 It is correct that they do get paid however how many jobs are there that when you go to work there is a chance that you might not make it home? Please take that into consideration.

[@drewjenn9819]

@@annv8695 We pick our own poison. Tomorrow is promised to no one, no matter what your occupation entails.

[@diannwillard9341]

So sad. Praying for the families of everyone involved.

[@robgreer4029]

Did the Sheriff driving the Sheriff's pick up truck that caught fire and was towed away in the vicinity of the white KIA survive? No one seems to be reporting on what happened with that pick up truck.

[@leemiller349]

Prayers to the police department and to all the families ..and to the trucker's families. RIP God Bless. Lee NC

[@user-tc7mp3di8p]

What about the truck driver??? He got murdered by the FHP no procession for him or the 74 year old guy who died

[@jeffamell3501]

Reckless policing, not the truck drivers fault or the person fleeing

[@PowderMill]

I AXE You…. The photo of the offender in custody has NOT been shown as of yet…. You just KNOW what that be meaning, yo.? Yup. I was thinking the same thing….. 😡

[@angiehayes7397]

Ah hell, he's probably back on the streets by now 😤

[@user-pw4kw3ro6i]

Trooper, thank you for your services. Prayers for the family. This is so sad. Your life had to end so sudden. Prayers

[@Bitterrootbackroads]

WPTV- Yes, a tragedy for all. “Brave, Brave, Brave and wanting to help”. But do your job and report this for what it is.

[@annachernomordik9878]

My heart and prayers go out to family of lost trooper. Rest in peace. 😢

[@trirail812productions8]

iam little surprised they chanse him i drive all the time on 95 i never see a state trooper or police everyone does 90 and no cops are ever around

[@trirail812productions8]

i think cops in florida are afrraid to chase people but up north there is more cops

[@marcgoff7881]

I’m trying to understand. So the truck driver that was killed, was he driving the wrong way and killed the trooper or was the trooper driving the wrong way and killed the truck driver? Was the trooper chasing an active shooter who had just murdered a person or persons? Help me understand please?

[@carrollbridges6427]

Well, the City will be paying out millions for those 3 deaths. Im sure the families will Lawyer up

[@Hyper72130]

My heartfelt Condolences to all the families. 🙏 🕯 💐 ✝️

[@terrypitt3743]

Line of duty, I question that. He had a duty to the public! Officers need to have the good sense when to chase, clearly this officer was being a cowboy, how does he turn in front of 16 wheeler, just because the felon did. Do state troopers still use radios, good question, don't you think! This officers decision to continue to chase, not only took his life, but this troopers decision, killed two people, why is not being addressed!!!!!

[@anthonyf.9170]

God bless our Nation’s Law Enforcement. God bless everyone who lost their lives. 🙏

[@Cowboy1957]

Oh the trooper poor trooper well the trooper killed a truckdriver so let's be giving some respect to that driver who put his life on the line everyday to make sure America gets what they need to survive! When I was just a little guy traveling with my parents sitting in the back seat looking at all those big trucks I said someday I will drive one of those not knowing that I would be a 50 year veteran owner operator and believe me when I say I've seen my share of so called law enforcement doing anything but (protect) and serve! Now don't get me wrong there's a few law enforcement that are very professional, nice and courteous but very few. Just goes to prove what I've been saying for years nobody gives a crap about us truckers until they need us. My deepest sympathy to the trucker and HIS FAMILY!

[@thepiper4u]

What kills me is this trooper lost his life doing his job and this guy fleas after crashing into him are you sick or what just like civilians not respecting the move over law you see them blue lights darn move over give the troopers there space for Christ sake just like road workers you see orange or amber lights slow down move over , troopers need to put a decoy out there with lights and start issuing tickets on those passing the lights it’s not fare to the troopers doing there job and you got rigs cars blowing buy them on there traffic stop , to all the state boys get tuffer give that guy who passed you with your blue lights on the hefty fine watch how this starts taking affect especially on those big rigs out there flying by them shaking the hell out of there cruisers please please respect the blue lights.

[@ericowen449]

Choose your battles

[@MrSteelehead]

It’s gotta be tough for cops who are defending our corrupt politicians “first”, then they do things like this, to us. WE NEED PRESIDENT TRUMP TO FIX THIS MESS TOO. RIP, to family and friends, “this never should have happened”.

[@danieljones8173]

How long are WE going to drag this out ?????

[@reensure]

Is anyone besides me confused by the reference to Okeechobee Rd, exit 65, in Fort Pierce, to Virginia Ave sounding like the Okeechobee exit 70, in West Palm Beach, to Okeechobee BLVD to FL 704? reference is very confusing to me, and I live in SLC. I'm glad that WPTV began to speak of Crosstown PWKY and other more specific locations, but while I was waking up I was very disoriented by the news accounts. BTW: This tragedy is the most God-awful I've seen locally, and my heart goes out to the hundreds who're directly affected.

[@Chubbman85]

This happened the other day somewhere between exit 118 and 120.

[@reensure]

Right. @@Chubbman85 a couple of miles from me. The alert specified both lanes between Okeechobee Rd to south of Becker Rd. (south St Lucie County). I live here but never refer to Ft Pierce exit near the Turnpike as "Okeechobee Rd."

[@Chubbman85]

@@reensure 😂 i missed it as well.

[@reensure]

@@Chubbman85 That's because our "local news" is from l'il FL down the road. 😆

[@angiehayes7397]

😢 💔 😢

[@KA9DSL]

It's the cat chasing the mouse situation, almost always some gets hurt or killed doing that. Looks like the mouse got away. Not worth it the pursuit.

[@adrianveloce4336]

What Do you mean got away….. He fled on foot, Chopper called out where he was & K-9 got scent, taken to custody… 😅😂

[@Slimedog1963]

oh well...

[@reginaperrone6902]

💐🕊️💐🕊️💐🕊️💐🕊️💐🕊️💐🕊️💐

[@corpnupe85]

Rip to the Officers and the others who passed away.

[@jetlyfer4202]

Sooo lemme get this str8 the trooper turned and followed him into on coming traffic but the driver is at fault 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 u kno wat y'all win.

[@bountiful5732]

wipipo

[@marksanders1034]

Was the garbage peice of s suspect caught!!

[@thisiswhoiam102]

Yep, he's currently in custody.

[@superdave77]

But.... He is alive😂

[@DiZZoLabs]

Jeez awful lot of talking without a lot of detail. What happened?

[@yothatsyogi]

Trooper turned in front of a semi and got two people killed, including himself.

[@DiZZoLabs]

@@yothatsyogi thank you

[@JDdaFilmer]

Not trying to be rude but yall really needa be focusing more on the 2 innocent people that were simply just minding their own business… yes we all understand a trooper lost his life ok….. very saddening to hear… ok now switch off from that, just the way yall moved on so quick talking about the truck driver and the other car driver… yall really don’t wanna make that the headline? Or really even have any screen time mentioning the other 2 helpless/innocent people most likely bumping music singing/vibing in there car… trooper knew EXACTLY what he was doing and if he ACTUALLY THOUGHT “hey I should make a u-turn RIGHT NOW WHILE ON A BUSY HIGHWAY” then I’m sorry…I’m lost for words… I don’t even wanna say the rest…… smfh 🥱🤦‍♂️

[@SHADOWS1]

RIP BROTHER