CHARLOTTE COUNTY, FL. (THECOUNT) — Dennis Lee Olson, 53, of Sarasota, Florida, has been charged following a wrong-way crash early Sunday on Interstate 75 that killed a 21-year-old Bradenton woman and seriously injured three others in southwest Florida, according to authorities.
The fatal collision occurred at approximately 1:13 a.m. Sunday, May 17, on northbound Interstate 75 near mile marker 150 near Punta Gorda in Charlotte County, located between Sarasota and Fort Myers along Florida’s Gulf Coast.
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According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Olson was operating a 2020 Ford F-150 southbound in the northbound lanes of I-75 when the pickup collided with multiple vehicles.
Investigators said Olson’s truck first struck a 2016 Kia Optima occupied by a 34-year-old woman from Arcadia and two juvenile passengers, boys ages 12 and 15.
Authorities said all three occupants of the Kia suffered serious injuries and were transported to an area hospital for treatment.
Troopers said Olson’s truck also collided with a 2012 Honda CR-V driven by a 21-year-old woman from Bradenton.
The Bradenton woman sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have not yet publicly released her identity pending family notification.
Investigators said a fourth vehicle, identified as a 2023 Tesla Model 3 operated by a 19-year-old Sarasota woman, later struck debris from the crash scene.
The Tesla driver was not injured, according to FHP.
Olson sustained what troopers described as non-incapacitating injuries and was transported to a hospital following the collision.
After being medically cleared and released, Olson was arrested by the Florida Highway Patrol.
Authorities said he has been charged with vehicular homicide and DUI manslaughter.
He was subsequently booked into the Charlotte County Jail.
The crash shut down portions of Interstate 75 overnight as troopers conducted an extensive on-scene investigation and crews cleared debris from the highway.
Emergency responders from multiple agencies assisted at the scene due to the number of vehicles and victims involved in the collision.
Investigators have not publicly stated how long Olson may have been traveling in the wrong direction before the crash occurred.
Authorities also have not released additional details regarding Olson’s alleged impairment pending the ongoing investigation.
The Florida Highway Patrol continues investigating the fatal multi-vehicle crash.
Additional information may be released as the investigation progresses.
Google Maps: I-75 near mile marker 150, Charlotte County, Florida
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