WFTV.com
Gainesville Officer Hit By Drunk Driver After Celebration Dies
POSTED: 5:27 pm EDT April 4, 2007
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- A police officer allegedly hit and critically injured by a drunk driver after the Florida Gators championship celebration died Wednesday, authorities said.
Lt. Corey Dahlem, a 22-year Gainesville police veteran, was struck by a black Toyota just as police were clearing the streets early Tuesday morning after the Gators' win against Ohio State. Dahlem died Wednesday just before 3 p.m., according to officials at Shands at the University of Florida.
The Florida Highway Patrol identified the driver of the Toyota as Austin John Wright, 21, of Atlantic Beach. He gave two breath tests allegedly showing a blood-alcohol level almost three times the legal limit.
Wright allegedly kept driving, running two motorcycle officers off the road before being stopped. The other officers were not injured.
Wright remained in Alachua County jail Wednesday on $500,000 bail.
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