Ashley Rowe, an Altamonte Springs policewoman, resigned last week pending the results of a DUI investigation into her collision in December, in which her passenger nearly died. Michael Kroohs, a Reedy Creek firefighter, was a passenger in Rowe's car when she crashed on Lotus Landing Boulevard near SR-434 near Orlando. Florida Highway Patrol troopers at the scene believed she had been drinking and was impaired.
Kroohs had met Rowe earlier that evening when Rowe and several other officers had been drinking and went out for a late dinner. Kroohs indicated that Rowe did not act drunk the night of the accident. "It's crazy how someone can be drunk and look so normal, that is the only thing that hit me; it's kind of surprising to me, "Kroohs said.
Kroohs, who nearly died, has spent the last two months at home recovering since the December accident. He was seriously injured and faces $200,000 in medical bills. Kroohs says he does not plan to sue Rowe despite the high cost of his medical bills because he views her pending DUI charges and resignation from the police as more than enough punishment. "The pain and suffering I had to go through, so I guess this is her punishment the way I look at it," he said.
Rowe had been working on desk duty while the investigation into the incident by the Florida Highway Patrol was pending. When blood alcohol results came back on Wednesday, results showed Rowe's blood alcohol level was .15. The investigators for the Florida Highway patrol are in the process of filing DUI charges with the State Attorney's Office.
In light of the results, Rowe submitted her resignation letter on Friday. In Rowe's resignation letter, she said, "My decision to leave the agency has been a difficult decision but feel I need to be closer to loved ones. I leave with much sadness."
If you or a loved one has been charged with a DUI or other criminal offense, contact a reputable Orlando DUI attorney for help with your case today. It is understood that poor choices can lead to serious criminal consequences. An Orlando criminal attorney will advise you of your rights, guide you through the complex Court system and provide you with the help you need during this difficult time. Contact the attorneys at Musca Law for a free, comprehensive review of your case.
