Gulf Breeze man booked over fatal crash
A Gulf Breeze man was arrested after authorities confirmed he was under the influence of alcohol during a December 15 vehicle accident, which left a Navarre resident dead.
Walter Behrens surrendered himself to authorities Jan. 4 after a warrant was issued for his arrest concerning the December incident.
According to police reports, Behrens was traveling excessive speeds on Highway 98 on December 15, when he lost control of his vehicle after attempting to pass a motorist.
Behrens struck an eastbound motorist after losing control and then struck a median, which caused his Dodge truck to go airborne. Before landing, Behrens struck a westbound vehicle, driven by Thomas Portolan of Navarre. Portolan was pronounced deceased at the scene when medical examiners arrived.
Behrens was transported to Baptist Hospital in Gulf Breeze with minor injuries.
During the course of an investigation overseeing the event, it was found that Behrens had a BAC of .111 at the time of the crash. A warrant was issued for Behrens arrest on Jan. 4, and the 21-year-old surrendered at the Escambia County Sherrif’s Office the same day. Behrens remains in the Escambia County Jail with a total bond of $61,000.
