NEWS RELEASE                                             

For Immediate Release
July 1, 2006
Contact: Michele Nicholson
Public Information Officer
  (850) 651-7420

RECKLESS DRIVER CAUSES FATAL ACCIDENT

      A Fort Walton Beach woman faces multiple charges after crashing into a car on Eglin Parkway Friday night, causing the death of another driver.

     44-year old Sharon Elaine Martin of 512 Manchester Road is charged with aggravated fleeing, attempting to elude a law enforcement officer resulting in death, and reckless driving.

     Deputy Mike Gallagher was patrolling on Okaloosa Island around ten-forty Friday night when he saw the defendant run a red light on Santa Rosa Boulevard and hit the curb. He attempted a traffic stop near the Publix Shopping Center , but the defendant instead turned onto Perry Avenue and then headed northbound on Eglin Parkway , eventually reaching a high rate of speed before crossing the Cinco Bayou Bridge . While trying to pass other vehicles slowing for a traffic signal at Highway Avenue, the defendant lost control and went into the southbound lanes, hitting two cars. The driver of one of the cars, 20-year old Allison Joy Angerman, of 630 Sunset Boulevard in Fort Walton Beach , was taken by helicopter to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola where she died of her injuries. The driver and passenger in the second car had minimum injuries and were treated at the scene.

     Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Investigator Mark Raiche says alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash. Martin refused to provide a breath test but a blood sample was drawn. Further charges are possible. The investigation is ongoing. 

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