Florida Officer Dies in Wreck

[CPDlife4ME]

Updated: October 15th, 2007 09:55 AM EDT

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. --

A police officer died late Friday night after his cruiser was hit by the car of a man suspected of drunken driving, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The Florida Highway Patrol said a van struck the door of Officer Scott Bell's patrol car at the corner of New Berlin Road and Heckscher Drive about 11:30 p.m. Bell's car spun around and hit a power pole and burst into flames.

Bell died at the scene.

The FHP identified the other driver as Joseph May, 57, of Jacksonville. He was treated and released at Shands-Jacksonville Medical Center.

A passenger in May's van was not injured and was questioned at the scene. Another police officer following Bell was able to avoid the wreck.

Troopers said there was evidence that May had been drinking and a blood-alcohol test was conducted. According to the FHP, charges against May are pending.

Police said Bell was on duty and headed to meet with his supervisor when he was hit.

Bell, 50, had worked for the JSO for seven years and was a reserve officer before that.

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[shrubs82]

That actually happened right where my brother lives. That is a dangerous road to begin with very limited sight and a lot of curves. The officer I rode with last week knew him. It was very sad.