Suspected DUI driver in deadly Marion County bus crash held without bond
MARION COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — The truck driver who was involved in the deadly crash in Marion County, resulting in eight deaths, is being held without bond, a judge ruled Wednesday.
Bryan Howard, the driver of a Ford Ranger pickup truck, sideswiped an International Bus transporting 53 employees of a farming company at around 6:35 a.m. on Tuesday in Ocala. The crash caused the bus to travel off the highway and through a fence before it overturned.
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Eight people were pronounced dead and around 40 were taken to local medical facilities.
Howard had his first court appearance Wednesday morning, showing up in front of the judge with bandages on his head and wearing a bulletproof vest.
He was arrested at 1:47 p.m. Tuesday afternoon by troopers with the Florida Highway Patrol for eight counts of driving under the influence- manslaughter. Prosecutors said additional charges are possible.
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In an interview with investigators, Howard admitted to smoking “some marijuana oil’ the night before the crash.
Howard has a lengthy criminal history including driving with a suspended license, leaving the scene of a crash with property damage, careless driving, failing to stop at a red light, grand theft, possession of cannabis, and trespassing, according to court records.
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