On September 30, 2011, two people were killed at the scene of an accident after a two car collision on Gulf Boulevard in St. Pete Beach.
As Pablo Mansilla-Aguinaga, of Tampa, and Sandra Paulson, of Scahumaburg, Ill, were pulling out of the Alden Beach Resort on Gulf Blvd, a speeding SUV struck their small Madza, causing both vehicles to overturn. The SUV ended up on top of a large fountain in front of the resort and quickly caught fire, which witnesses rushed to put out.
The driver of the SUV, Daniel Dolcater, of Gulfport, was clocked at going 69 mph in a 35 mph zone, and was taken to the hospital with serious head injuries.
Dozens of witnesses watch the accident happen, and ran to help the victims in the sedan as well. Attempting to help, a local business owner who had witnessed the entire event, ran to the Sedan, but noted little and no pulse in the two victims just moments after the accident.
An officer with the St. Pete Beach police saw the SUV speeding prior to the crash and attempted to initiate a traffic stop with his motorcycle lights. Other witnesses noted that the SUV was swerving as it approached the hotel.
Police suspected road rage as the reason for speeding, but the case is still being reviewed to determine charges.
