David Wyatt Drove Into Tree, Signs In 2023.
BY: ANDREW COLTON | Editor and Publisher
UPDATE at 4:25 p.m. — The City of Delray Beach also announced that it has retained the law firm of Johnson Jackson PLLC to investigate several aspects of the Firetruck V. Brightline train crash, including the collision itself and the driver’s licenses of “fire staff.”
DELRAY BEACH, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2025 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — Delray Beach Firefighter David Wyatt, the driver of the fire truck that was smashed by a Brightline Train at Atlantic Avenue back in December, was previously under investigation by the Delray Beach Police Department for an alleged DUI. While it was never proven that Wyatt was driving under the influence, officers were concerned enough about his demeanor that they initiated an investigation following a 2023 crash.
As BocaNewsNow.com was first to report, at least fifteen people were injured on December 28th when Wyatt apparently drove through active crossing gates while responding to a fire call. Multiple people on the fire truck, and at least 12 people on the Brightline train, sustained injuries.
Delray Beach Police Thursday afternoon issued this statement to BocaNewsNow.com concerning the previous investigation into Wyatt:
>The Delray Beach Police Department has initiated an internal review of a 2023 traffic incident involving Delray Beach Firefighter David Wyatt. Although the incident occurred while Wyatt was off duty, the investigation aims to take a close look at the incident and ensure transparency and accountability.
“Given the significant public interest in this matter, I believe releasing the body-worn camera footage from the 2023 citation is the right step toward providing a full and accurate account of the events,” said Delray Beach City Manager Terrence Moore. “Our commitment remains steadfast: to uphold the highest standards of integrity, to support due process, and to ensure that our city operates with credibility and trust at every level.”
On June 9, 2023, at approximately 10:22 PM, officers responded to a single-vehicle crash on West Atlantic Avenue near North Swinton Avenue. A 2015 Jeep Wrangler registered to Wyatt struck multiple traffic signs before colliding with a tree in the center median. Wyatt, the driver and sole occupant, was transported to Bethesda Memorial Hospital by Delray Beach Fire Rescue with non-incapacitating injuries.
A witness at the scene, identified as a friend of Wyatt, stated that he had been driving behind the Jeep when Wyatt suddenly lost control and veered over the median. Officer Nicholas Windsor conducted a DUI investigation at the hospital, where Wyatt exhibited red eyes and a head laceration but displayed no slurred speech. Due to Wyatt’s medical condition and the unavailability of roadside sobriety tests, officers could not establish probable cause for a DUI charge. He was issued a citation for Careless Driving under Florida Statute 316.1925(1).
“The integrity of our investigations is paramount, especially when they involve public safety personnel,” said Delray Beach Police Chief Russ Mager. “Our officers conduct thorough and impartial investigations, ensuring that all cases are handled with the same level of diligence and accountability. We are reviewing this case thoroughly to ensure protocols were followed and no procedural errors occurred in determining the appropriate legal course of action.”
This is an active internal investigation. The department is committed to transparency and will release updates as they become available.<
I am very concerned about the inspection at Poppies and the way they are operating. To boot, catering to an aging clientele, these violations are serious and many. The new owner must get third party help to assist him in getting on track. I am shocked at this report.
Comments are closed.