NEWS RELEASE                                             

For Immediate Release
June 6, 2006
Contact: Michele Nicholson
Public Information Officer
  (850) 651-7420

POSSE MEMBER AND MOTORCYCLIST RECOVERING FROM TRAFFIC CRASH

     A member of the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Posse is recovering from serious injuries received when a motorcyclist crashed into him while he directed traffic on the Cinco Bayou Bridge around 9 p.m. Monday night. 52-year-old Deputy Bobby Hanson of Fort Walton Beach , and 47-year-old motorcyclist Arthur Painter of Gulf Breeze, were both taken by Lifeflight helicopter to Baptist Hospital in Pensacola .

    Traffic Investigator Mark Raiche says Hanson was near his patrol car in the southbound center lane of the bridge. He was helping support traffic detours caused by the Billy Bowlegs Torchlight Parade. Raiche says Painter failed to see and avoid Deputy Hanson despite the flashing emergency lights on the patrol car.

     Painter nearly ran into Hanson’s car before colliding with Hanson and then hitting the raised center concrete barrier of the bridge. Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash and charges are pending.

     The Sheriff’s Posse is a group of dedicated volunteers who help provide numerous law enforcement related functions.

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