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The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office is looking for additional information in an accident that took place near the intersection of Highway 98 and Palmetto Drive in Destin around 3:45 a.m. May 7th.
Deputies initially believed the injuries suffered by 22 year old Tyler Ponthieux of Dryprong Louisiana occurred after he tripped and fell on Highway 98. He had abrasions, road rash, and a head injury. He is currently being treated at UAB Hospital (University of Alabama at Birmingham).
A “witness” had told deputies on the scene that he saw the victim fall and hit his head and did not see him get hit by any vehicle. He also added that Ponthieux hit the pavement hard. The original response was closed out as a medical call, not a traffic crash.
However, the OCSO later learned that the physician who treated Ponthieux said his head injuries would not have come from someone tripping and falling to the ground.
Based upon statements by doctors as well as other evidence obtained, deputies now have reason to believe Ponthieux was struck by a vehicle.
Anyone with information on the incident or the identity of the driver is asked to call the OCSO at 850-651-7400 or Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers at 850-863-TIPS, emeraldcoastcrimestoppers.com, or by using the P3 Tips Mobile application.
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